Pitch Perfect 3: An Unofficial Next Story

by RJRMovieFan

The Bellas graduated and won the Worlds, now a year later they are starting the next chapter of their lives when an opportunity presents to come back together once more. Relationships will continue to evolve, careers begin to be defined, and the usual hilarity when the women of Barden are involved. This is a slow burn story of a developing relationship, and will be BeChloe.

18. Chapter 18 - Meeting the Suits

A/N: Hello Readers! Here is the second half of the presentation to the suits of NBCUniversal. It's really long. I almost feel the need to apologize.

Again I have absolutely no idea about how an actual pitch to a studio would go, but I think that this one would be fun.

As always, I do not own Pitch Perfect or any of the characters, but I do love them.

***Meeting the Suits ***

The chatter in the room is charged with excitement as everyone moves around to the tables their respective groups have claimed. There looks to be over sixty people finding seats at the round tables, arranged into a crescent moon shape.

Among those moving to find their seats are Beca and Emily, who are reluctantly making their way towards the table Jesse and his buddies have claimed.

Chloe follows Beca with her eyes, till the brown hair DJ arrives at the other table. Chloe looks away as Jesse pulls Beca into a hug. She flutters her eyelids, blinking back tears that have been threatening, before sitting down between Aubrey and Lily. She swallows the lump in her throat, and maintains her composure. It really wasn't goodbye, but she couldn't shake the feeling it kinda was.

Just as Chloe settles in the dam breaks and the Bellas begin to whisper what's on their collective minds.

"What the HELL Chloe?" Cynthia Rose hisses.

"What's gives?" Jessica and Ashley ask simultaneously. "Why are Beca and Emily on another team?

Denise jumps in, "Can someone tell me what's going on?"

Lily utters something, Chloe can only pick out the words 'kidnap', and 'reprogram'. Chloe chooses to do what she always does when it comes to Lily and ignore her.

"We'll talk about this later," says Aubrey through gritted teeth.

Cynthia Rose isn't ready to let it go, she points an accusatory finger at Chloe. "Did either of you know about this, did Amy?"

Aubrey places a hand on Chloe's arm, letting her friend know she has this. "Yes CR, I did, and no I don't think Amy did. I will explain more later. Now is not the best time…"

Cynthia Rose goes to say something more, but her wife recognizes the situation, and lays a settling hand on her wife. She leans over and whispers something in CR's ear, which helps to mollify the angry Bella.

Chloe is thankful for Aubrey interceding, she really didn't want to have this conversation right now. Her attention is drawn to the front of the room, as a rich strong voice calls out to the collected people in the room. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you all for joining us today." The person speaking is the well dressed man that Chloe had seen Fat Amy and Bumper speaking with earlier. He's standing on the raised dais, where the lone long table has been set up.

Stacie decides they need a change of subject, and sees it with the handsome man at the dais. She whispers loudly, "Now there's someone straight out of central casting. Hmmm." The tall brunette's smile is sexy predatory. Chloe notes a subtle change in Aubrey's demeanor, and Chloe wonders at her blonde best friend's feelings.

Looking up at the dais, Chloe has to admit Stacie's not wrong. The man actually reminds her of Tom, standing a little over 6 feet tall, with chocolate brown hair, though his complexion is darker, maybe suggesting some Italian or other Mediterranean ancestry.

The man has an easy manner and sounds relaxed as he continues with his introductions. "My name is Travis White, and I am a Senior Developer here at NBCUniversal in the Program Development Office. I am tasked with originating and-or developing program content for NBCUniversal, and I will be hosting this presentation. As you all may know, Mr. Allen and Ms. Wilson have approached NBC with a very intriguing proposal."

Stacie looks at Chloe, "Who?"

Aubrey whispers an answer, "Fat Amy… Her full name is Patricia Marie Wilson."

Stacie asks, "How did you know that?"

Chloe whispers, "Aubrey ran a background check on all the Bellas, before we invited you all to join…"

Stacie's eyes widen, "Wait you did a background check on me?"

Chloe is surprised by Stacie's reaction. She never looked at the results and Aubrey never volunteered any information. She watches as Aubrey turns and gives Stacie a look, like this is the most obvious thing in the world, "Of course."

The wheels in Stacie's head begin to turn, and a look of horror etches her face. "Then you know about…" Suddenly Chloe is very intrigued by what could possibly be in Stacie's past. She'll have to pry it out of the tall brunette, she knows she'll never get anything from her blonde best friend.

She definitely knows this is true as she watches Aubrey form a very satisfied smile, "Uh-huh," the blonde whispers as she nods her head.

Stacie blanches, "... And?"

Still nodding her head, Aubrey fixes Stacie with a very steady stare, "We'll talk later." A hint of a smile touching her lips.

Chloe is surprised to realize her friend is flirting with Stacie. The blonde's eyes are dead giveaways. Though Chloe notes Stacie is too caught off guard to realize this, "Umm… Okay..." The tall brunette is actually blushing.

"I kind of like having you be the one who is flustered. Now shush, I want to hear this." And with that Aubrey turns her attention back to Mr White, who has continued his introductions.

Chloe can't help but grin. She really needed that.

Chloe re-focuses on the front and hears Mr White say, "There are four other executives of NBCUniversal that will be joining us here today, and a special guest. I'll introduce them momentarily, but I first want to give you the agenda, and the format. We're going to start by having Mr. Allen and Ms. Wilson make their final pitch. Then I believe you all will perform a showcase of your talent…"

Jessica and Ashley simultaneously ask, "What?"

"Aubrey was right," whispers Chloe.

"We haven't prepared…" groans Denise.

Lily mumbles, and Chloe can't help but say, "Lily, arson is never the answer." Lily just shrugs while the rest of the Bellas stare wide eyed.

"I hope we're ready," says CR with a chuckle, breaking the tension.

"We'll be fine," Stacie assures the table.

"But…" Ashley starts.

Aubrey gives her a firm no-nonsense look, while stating emphatically in a hushed voice, "We'll be fine. We're Bellas, we overcome."

Chloe smiles at her blonde best friend, this is what she's always loved about Aubrey, her sheer determination and ability to lead. She looks about the room and can hear the murmur of the other tables, and can guess the conversations are similar to the one at the Bellas table. She's kind of surprised Fat Amy and Bumper didn't prep all these people for the presentation ahead of time. Why would they want everyone to perform cold?

If the noise in the room is distracting, Mr White doesn't show it, after a few moments, letting the people digest what he'd said, continues, "Any questions before I introduce the people who will be judging this presentation?"

Donald stands up, "You referred to a showcase of our talent, but besides a couple emails from Bumper, I mean Bernard Allen," the Bellas all mouth the name 'Bernard', as Donald continues, "I haven't received any heads-up on what to expect, or agenda."

Mr White answers Donald's question, but he speaks to the wider audience, "That is correct. Mr Allen, Ms Wilson, Mr Brightslymoore," again the Bellas all look at each other blankly, "and I believe that the key to selling this show is spontaneity."

Stacie whispers "Spontaneity?"

Aubrey and Chloe can only shrug.

Lily mumbles again and Stacie shakes her head, "No Lily, we're not talking about either entropy, or disorder."

Both Aubrey and Chloe look at Stacie with puzzled looks. The brunette smiles and says, "Lily asked if he meant spontaneity in chemistry. Which he obviously didn't."

Chloe and Aubrey shrug again and shake their heads, before focusing again on Mr White, who was continuing. "The people who will be judging this presentation have all seen musical numbers, and can assume from your collective backgrounds you can do set pieces, but can you think on the spot, perform under pressure? That's what we're selling today."

Mr White addresses Donald, "Does that answer your question?" Donald nods and retakes his seat. "Are there any other questions before we get started?"

More hands go up, and White takes them one at a time, and all are basically Donald's question, posed in other words. Mr. White is patient and good natured as he answers each in turn. After about a dozen questions and answers, the room seems satisfied, and the questions dry up. White looks over the room and again asks if there are anymore questions.

Once he's satisfied that no one else has any other questions, Mr White says, "Well then, let's get started then. First I would like to introduce the Executive Vice President of NBCUniversal Television Alternative Studio, Mr Paul Masterson. This gentleman knows his business and exactly what he wants, so this is a gentleman you want to impress."

Through a single door at the head of the room one that Chloe hadn't noticed before, in walks an NBCUniversal Executive dressed impeccable in a dark charcoal gray suit. He enters the room as if he owns it, which might actually be the case, thinks Chloe. She has to admit his no-nonsense demeanor and self-confidence is attractive. He's older, with salt and pepper hair, cut in a professional style. From his walk and stature it suggests that he keeps himself in shape, carrying himself with a confidence that Chloe's certain allows him to stand out from everyone else in most rooms. Masterson nods to White, and takes his seat. He keeps his face passive, but seems to study the room. Chloe is thankful she doesn't have to sit before the man one-on-one in his office. She's pretty sure that would be an intimidating experience.

White nods back to Masterson and begins his next introduction. "Next I want to introduce Katherine Ramirez, she's Executive Vice President NBC Entertainment Alternative Programming. She has an impeccable record at picking quality programming." As Mr White makes this announcement, a blonde haired woman, dressed in a light gray suit jacket and pencil skirt, walks through the same single door Masterson had walked through. The woman looks to be in her late forties, and just like Mr Masterson before her, Ms Ramirez walks with a purpose and confidence. Everything about her demeanor lets the audience know, take this woman seriously, or else. Chloe has to admit she's both impressed and a bit terrified. Similar to Masterson, she seems to study the room after she has taken a seat. Again Chloe feels the room is being judged, and Chloe hopes they are giving a good impression.

Before Mr White can even continue, the single door opens again, and a well dressed, bald, African American man enters. White nods to the man, flashing him a smile which is returned easily. "Next is a good friend of mine, Executive Producer Treiman Xavier. This gentleman knows what it takes to make a hit show. He has pulled together the resources on a number of hit reality programs in recent years. His insight into the logistics of this type of project will be invaluable." The man nods to the audience, he too is wearing a light gray power suit, with a power burgundy red tie. Chloe hears Stacie say 'yum' under her breath, and feels Aubrey stiffen next to her. She stifles a chuckle as she gives a quick glance to her best friend. Aubrey is keeping her face forward, but years of knowing the blonde, tells Chloe that Stacie's having more of an affect on her then Aubrey is willing to admit.

Before Chloe can ponder this more, White's voice draws her attention back. "Last but not least we have Jacqueline Hoffman, Vice President NBCUniversal Television Distribution & Universal Networks," says White as a middle-aged brown haired woman in dark blue power suit with a stylish pencil skirt walks in, flashing a confident smile at the audience. "She holds the key to air time. Make sure she buys what you're selling."

The four executives each take their seats, Ms Hoffman and Mr Xavier both give acknowledgment to a smattering of applause from the people at the tables. Chloe looks around at the Bellas at her table, and feels the same as them, unsure if they should clap. Is this a situation to clap? It felt like an introduction to a show, but it's not a performance, but it is a performance. Chloe shakes her head, thinking this whole situation is just weird.

Mr White smiles as he pauses. Chloe gets the feeling from his demeanor that the man is really excited to make the next announcement. "Last I would like to welcome Mr Allen's friend, who has agreed to be a Producer and a celebrity judge on this show, if it's a go; Mr John Mayer!" The door opens again and in walks the famous singer. Chleo, along with a number of people throughout the room, lets out a gasp of surprise.

Mayer gives a wave to the crowd of people, "Happy to be here, excited by this opportunity. My man Bump has promised me a show people, I'm expecting great things."

"Nothing like adding to the pressure," breathes Stacie.

"Who knew Bumper wasn't just bragging about knowing John Mayer?" Aubrey asks, not hiding her disbelief.

"Seriously thought he was just bragging out his ass," declares CR, shaking her head.

"I would have bet he had only just met Mayer once, and was over-hyping it," say Stacie.

"I love John Mayer, do you think Bumper will introduce us, babe?" Maria asks her wife.

"Oh, he'll introduce us. He's going to want to brag and show off to us," states Aubrey.

CR nods her head, "She's right babe. You'll get your chance." She gives Maria a quick peck on the lips. Chloe can't help but smile at the small gestures of love and intimacy the couple exhibit. She finds it so heartwarming, and is very happy for her Bella-sister.

Chloe's attention is drawn to the front as a new voice is projected from the front of the room. It's Masterson, and his voice matches his look. It's a commanding voice, one that gives the distinct impression of brooking no no-nonsense. "Right then, time is money, and I really don't need to be here." Paul says in all seriousness. "I believe this demonstrates to you that I'm excited about the potential of this idea, and where it could lead. But so far it's just potential. That has got you a few minutes of my time, and the time of my fellow colleagues; all of them who are just as busy. So please, try and make this worth our while."

Chloe can see, even from her seat, that Mr White visibly swallows. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, you heard the man; shall we get started?" He gives a nod to Bumper and Fat Amy.

Fat Amy turns to her fiance, and flashes him a wide reassuring smile. Bumper nods to Amy and then up to White and stands. Even though his back is to Chloe she can tell he's smiling, and she can only hope it's the natural smile he has when talking about Fat Amy, and not the leering, snarky smile he flashes when giving Bree a hard time.

Chloe hears Bumper give a slight cough as he clears his throat, while flipping open a very large and intimidating looking binder, which is sitting on the table before him. He gives a quick read, then fixes his eyes on the panel of executives before him, and with a strong voice he confidently states, "Good afternoon, on behalf of my fiance, my friends, and all the other people here, I want to thank all of you for taking time out of your very busy schedules to join us today. I believe we have a very unique demonstration for you today."

Ms Hoffman smiles and replies, "Absolutely, we're anxious to see what you have."

John Mayer responds, "We're up for it if you are…"

Masterson sounds less impressed, "The room is reserved for the next two hours; but if this becomes a waste of my time we can cut it short. So let us not waste any time, the floor is yours."

Bumper clears his throat again and begins. "I agree, let's not waste any more time." He places a hand on the small of Amy's back, giving her a smile. "My fiancé and I have been working on this presentation for some time now."

Ms Ramirez holds up her hand and says, "Look, we all know there are a number of singing competition shows put on television every year. Some succeed, some don't. We want to ascertain whether your concept is a hit or bust."

"And that's exactly what we're going to prove." Moving around the table and into the open space between the horseshoe the tables form and the dais to stand before the Executives. Bumper smiles confidently and continues, "We feel that you will see that our figures are well supported in this presentation and you should be pleased with the potential."

He points to the binder of information he left on the table. "I could rehash the numbers with you, but you have already seen them, or I'm sure you wouldn't be here. Additionally, you can review the previous year's numbers for the projected time slots, and the expected rating numbers, based on past performing shows, and such things as expected lineups of competing networks."

He pauses, catching his breath, assessing each of the Executives. So far none were really showing much. Yet he continues, "I think we've already made quite a compelling case to approve this show for a one year run, with option to extend. But I believe we," Bumper waves to the people sitting at the round tables, "can prove beyond any reasonable doubt that this will be a hit, and why."

Chloe is actually quite impressed with Bumper. His presentation is a distinctly enjoyable sight. He's never been one who lacks confidence, but there had always been a neediness to it. Like it was for show, a facade, built to cover his insecurities. This had often led him to behave like an asshole. Today's presentation is different. He's confident in a more mature natural way. Chloe can only surmise that Fat Amy is having a positive effect on the former Treble.

Bumper holds up a glossy sheet in front of him for the Executives to see. "In front of you, you'll find a one page description of the actual competition. If you'll look at the actual competition description, I believe you can get an inkling of what great entertainment this show can be."

Bumper waits for the executives to look over the document with an expression of absolute peace and self-confidence.

All four of the Executives look over the document, but Masterson's is only cursory before fixing Bumper with a steady gaze. "Mr Allen, I've seen the description you've provided of the competition before. On paper it sounds quite entertaining…"

Ms Ramirez nods, "Visually and audibly, quite appealing…"

"But," Masterson holds up one finger as he looks at Bumper frankly, "I'm just not sure that in reality this can be pulled off. I don't know if what's presented here," Masterson holds up the glossy document, "can be translated to a sound stage and captured by the cameras."

Chloe is impressed that Bumper doesn't seem affected by Masterson's objections. He calmly replies, "With respect sir; there have been numerous reality music shows. All the networks have become quite good at televising the content so the audience finds it entertaining…"

"Which brings up another issue." It's Ms Hoffman who speaks up now. "What's going to differentiate your show from all the others?"

"Well there will be some similarities. Not going to kid you, there will be musical numbers that will be very similar to ones the audience has seen before," Ms Hoffman looks like she's going to say something else, but Bumper keeps going. "It's the rest of the content that will differentiate it from all the rest. This won't be a contest between individuals, but a team effort. Now within that there'll be individual contests, but they will all be used to build a team score..."

Mr Xavier speaks up, "But is there enough variety of contests that are interesting enough to make compelling television?"

Bumper is actually caught off guard by this and freezes a little. Fat Amy notes this and immediately steps in. "Oy, for sure. We have outlined a number of them in that document. There will be scales challenges, follow the leader style harmonizing, song circles, instrument mimicking, and of course beatboxing…"

"Beatboxing?" Ms Ramirez asks.

"You know beatbox, where a person you know mimics the sounds of drums and other percussion instruments, you know beatboxing." Amy says as if it's pretty self evident.

"Yes we know what beatboxing is," says Mr Xavier. "We want to know if it can be used in a competition…"

Masterson speaks up again, wanting to get to the crux of the matter, "It's not just whether beatbox is something that can be made watchable television, it's the entire concept you are here to sell. The whole riff-off concept. Mixing music and improv, in such a way. I just don't think songs can be spontaneously sung by your groups."

"Sir, I guarantee it can," says Bumper, he looks a little less confident now.

The executives and Bumper continue to go back and forth, with Fat Amy offering her unique perspective at interesting moments. Watching Bumper interacting with the executives, Chloe surmises that despite everything Bumper and Amy are saying, they are losing Masterson. After a good three minutes of back and forth, Masterson shakes his head and states flatly, "I just don't think your riff-off idea will work. I think it's completely unrealistic to expect teams to be able to match songs in such a rapid way."

"WRONG. WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!" Yells the world's biggest A Cappella fan as he leaps from his seat.

Masterson is quite shocked at the outburst, and Chloe can see White bring a hand to his temple to cover his eyes, as if that will be enough to block out what's happening. Bumper and Fat Amy on the other hand seem nonplussed by the man.

Masterson for his credit recovers and addresses the bald man, "What was that?"

The look Masterson gives makes Chloe cringe, and she expects he thought it would do the same to the bald man who has come to stand next to Bumper. The bald man though is unaffected and continues in his loud and rather nasally voice, "YOU SIR ARE WRONG! YOU ARE VERY WRONG! YOU ARE THE KING OF THE KINGDOM OF WRONG. IF BEING WRONG WAS AN OLYMPIC SPORT, YOU WOULD WIN THE GOLD MEDAL."

Masterson holds up his hand. "I get your point." The over-the-top nature of the bald man actually seems to entertain Masterson. "And you are?"

The bald man stands proudly, shoulders thrown back, while giving the lapels of his colorful sports jacket a tug. "I'm Sir Willups Brightslymoore..."

The Bellas can't help looking at each other and mouthing the name Willups Brightslymoore to each other in question. Chloe's impressed that Masterson keeps a straight face upon hearing this name.

Brightslymoore continues, "... I'm the World's Biggest A Cappella Fan, proprietor of the Underground A Capella Dragon League…"

"Wait the what?" Ms Ramirez asks.

"The Underground A Capella Dragon League." Brightslymoore says it like it's the most obvious thing.

The four Executives shake their heads, their ignorance of the league clearly evident. Brightslymoore lets out an exaggerated sigh of exasperation. "The best underground A Cappella competition south of the Mason Dixon line." He again says this like it's common knowledge and an undisputed fact.

"Wait, there might be more of those leagues?" Stacie asks in a loud whisper.

The Bellas can only shrug. Ashley whispers, "Is it even a league? Are we still a part of it?"

"I have no idea," answers Chloe. Her attention is drawn back towards the front of the room, where things seem to be degrading between Brightslymoore and Masterson.

Masterson looks pointedly to Bumper and says emphatically, "You now have two minutes to convince me not to leave."

Bumper looks at him and tries to regain his confidence, "Well then, we best not be wasting any more of your time, and I have to respectfully tell you that I agree with my exuberant friend here, and respectfully disagree with you."

Bumper turns to the side and gestures to the people sitting around the tables. "I've personally worked or competed with everyone in these groups to improvise songs, match, beats, and perform riff-offs. I guarantee they can do it, and we're willing to prove it to you."

Fat Amy steps up again, "That's the beauty of this first season. These groups can jump in. We prove the concept, and if you agree to future seasons, we find rawer people and train them, all documented of course, which provides more content."

Ms. Ramirez asks, "What type of training would you be talking about?"

Fat Amy turns and smiles at Aubrey, and waves to the blonde, "I could bore you with the details, but I think it best to come from someone who's the master of boring," Amy cringes at her choice of words, "I mean training. So I'm going to improvise here and call up my one-time captain, Aubrey Posen."

Aubrey is a bit surprised by Amy's pronouncement. Chloe can't help but giggle. Ms Hoffman asks, "Who?"

Now it's Fat Amy who lets out an exasperated sigh, "Aubrey, Aubrey Posen, you know, that straight laced, skinny twig of a blonde." Fat Amy points over to the Bellas table. Aubrey frowns at the description, but stands up as Amy waves her over, "She is one of my best friends and brides maid." Aubrey pauses as she steps over, surprise evident in this announcement. Still the blond steps up to her boisterous Australian friend. "But before that she was an over-the-top, tightly wound drill sergeant of an A Cappella captain, who taught me and my mates to be a team, and how to perform A Capella. Aubrey would you answer the question, what would training entail?"

Aubrey clears her throat as she considers the question, then, with confidence looks at the panel and begins. " The first thing is teamwork. It's the foundation needed both for choreography and harmonizing. Once the team starts to come together, then you will get into more technical areas."

Ms Hoffman asks, "What type of technical areas?"

Aubrey tilts her head to the side as she considers her answer, "Technical areas like ear-training, sight-singing, and then there are numerous vocal techniques, everything from how to beatbox and pitch matching."

Mr Xavier asks, "Is there anything else that goes into training? And are there techniques that specifically help with the Riff-off concept."

Aubrey looks at the panel, thinking on what the panel might find interesting. All four appear to one extent or another, quite interested in her answers. She continues, "Well with the Bellas, we worked with the team on how to spot the repeated patterns in any particular piece of music, the riffs if you will. Soon the group is able to hear what riffs fit and what riffs don't. This exercise trains the group's ears, and their ability to be musically creative on the spot. This helps everyone have the ability to identify right and wrong notes, which allows the group as a whole to improvise."

"And that's enough?" Ms Ramirez asks.

Aubrey pauses again, collecting her thoughts. She shakes her head in the negative as she answers, "No. It also requires learning songs. Learning a lot of songs. To be really good you have to have a vast knowledge of music to call upon. That may be the hardest thing. A riff-off relies on you having a very in-depth catalog of songs that you're able to pull from. Lucky for me, my team have a number of women who had such. I think you'll find every group here has the same."

Aubrey then gives Fat Amy a look, who suddenly is trying to look all innocent, failing badly. Aubrey smiles devilishly and says, "It also requires lots of cardio."

Fat Amy actually blushes, and mumbles where only Aubrey can hear, "Fucking cardio…"

Aubrey turns back to the panelists, "Are there any questions?"

Ms Hoffman asks, "Why cardio?"

"The ability to sing while moving is more difficult than it sounds. You can't be out of breath, and you have to be able to end your routine's dance choreography as strong as you started."

Mr Xavier leans forward, "Interesting. I have one additional question. Do you think that this whole concept is possible?"

"Yes I do. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. My time with my college A Cappella group showed me it's very possible. My team competed a number of times with Mr Allen's, and the battles were quite interesting."

"Thank you Ms Posen," says Mr Xavier. With a nod to all the executives, and a slight glare at Fat Amy, Aubrey makes her way back to her seat.

"Nice job Bree," whispers Chloe, giving her blonde friend a supportive smile.

"Heaven help Amy. I'm going to make that Tasmanian she-devil run stairs!" Grumbles Aubrey under her breath.

"Awwww, angry Bree is so Hot!" Stacie loud whispers.

"You must find her hot a lot," says Maria with a wink.

"Hey!" Hisses Aubrey with a shocked expression.

Stacie chuckles and says slyly, "Oh I do." She responds with a wink.

Everyone at the table chuckles at Aubrey's grumbling.

Chloe's attention is again diverted to the front, where Bumper is continuing, "The important issue at hand, I think you'll find you're wrong about a riff-off being impossible." There are nods throughout the room from different A Cappella performers.

Ms Hoffman leans forward and says, "It just seems like it will be a very difficult task to pull off."

Bumper holds up his hands and says, "Oh, no argument about the degree of difficulty a riff-off can be, but it's that difficulty which will help make this must see TV."

Fat Amy says, "Obviously you need to see proof, we want to have your buy-in on this whole concept, so Bumper and I have set up the following demonstrations."

Bumper nods, "First we're going to open with a quick beatbox demonstration."

Ms Ramirez holds up her hand, "Excuse me, but I'm still not exactly sure what beatboxing exactly is?"

Brightslymoore answers, "Beatboxing happens to be a favorite of mine," and with that he attempts to make a percussion sound.

Bumper steps up to him, and cuts in as he places a hand on the bald man's back. "Beatboxing is a musical skill, especially used in hip hop and a Cappella, it's basically vocal percussion."

"We have some people here that are really good at beatboxing. They'll be making music, background accompaniment, but they'll only using their mouths," declares Fat Amy.

Hearing that statement evokes a pleasant memory, and Chloe can't help but look over towards Beca. She catches her best friend looking back over at her. Their eyes connect and they trade smiles, each remembering the conversation they had when they first met.

"Will that really make for compelling television?" Mr Masterson asks.

Bumper nods, "Oh yeah, and we're going to prove it."

"How?"

Brightslymoore shouts triumphantly, "With a beatbox battle!"

"Bring it on!" Exclaims John Mayer.

"Yes, please bring it," states Masterson. His tone does not give much hope. "Show me, show us all how entertaining beatbox can be. Don't tell me, show me if these people are really as good as you claim. Have them perform something," states Masterson as he sits back and crosses his arms, very skeptical of the claims being put forth.

Mayer is excited and ignores Masterson. He shouts out to all the participants, "Show us what you got!"

Brightslymoore points at the DSM table and calls, "Hans! Your on!"

At the DSM table, Chloe notes a tall slender man rise up. She surmises that this is Hans, she recognizes him from the competition in Brightslymoore's basement. He had started the little beatbox battle for DSM that night. Chloe remembered he was pretty good.

The German steps into the middle of the room and begins, starting softly, with a slower beat, but he steadily builds both pace and volume. The room immediately went silent the minute he started performing. He is good and they all know it. His mouth moves in a rhythm that emulates a drum sound, while he manages a bass sound which rumbles from deep in his throat, till he has a rather full and vibrant beat progression going.

After a few moments, one of the Tone Hangers steps up next to the DSM member, letting the German continue till he has established a full stanza, and then he starts adding his own sound. Chloe remembers these two from the night of the Underground Dragon League competition. They had both been impressive at beatboxing, having matched beats then, with the Tone Hanger conceding to Hans in the end. It seemed to Chloe that the Tone Hanger wanted a rematch. When the Tone Hanger starts, his beat is clear and strong, louder than what Hans had started with, though it blends well with Hans's current beat. Quickly the two sounds are intermingled and so vibrant together, their sounds blending into the intonation of a full drum corps. The German brings a steady bass, the Tone Hanger a punchy snare punctuated by the occasional scratch, their sounds mixed seamlessly into each other, and setting into one smooth tempo. Whether by happenstance or design, the two me fall into a funkier jazz harmony. It's oddly catchy, Chloe has to admit.

Chloe notes one of Jesse's USC buddies, Mitch she thinks, step forward and join the two men in their beatbox challenge. He tries to integrate himself, but the sound is weak, not as well timed, and doesn't add much to the performance that is already happening. Chloe feels a little sorry for him, he's at least trying, but he definitely doesn't have the chops to keep up with the other two, and so settles for a repeating drum sound that fades into the background.

At this point Donald steps in next to Mitch, and just stands for a bit, eyes closed as if he's just feeling the beats that the three are emitting, immersing himself in their sound. Then when the moment's right, he begins a rather impressive, beatboxing sound of his own. Donald had always preferred his sound to be quick and sharp, so unlike Mitch he brings a sound and tempo that is different than what the original two were performing, but it works, and he is able to pull the sound of the three men in with his.

Though she's been sitting right next to her, Chloe didn't notice the young Korean woman leave the table, though she's really not surprised when Lily appears in the center of the room. Especially now that Donald is up there. Lily and Donald have always had a connection, that the two have maintained even after college. Chloe is really impressed as the silent mysterious Bella gracefully slides into the center of the square the four current performers have formed with acrobatic grace. To Chloe's point of view Lily seems to pounce on the spot like a Puma. The young Korean woman stands right in front of Donald, and they share a warm smile. With a wink, she brings her hands up to her mouth and begins.

Like Hans before, Lily starts at a slower pace, but progressively builds the pace before she really gets into it. Lily's rhythm progressively works to match Donald's all too familiar beat, till Lily is harmonizing against the vocals Donald is laying down, though she keeps the progression short, quick and rhythmic, then repeats; each time the full loop is repeated she lets it go slightly faster.

The Bellas all share a knowing smile as Lily easily matches Donald's beats, and then begins like a pied piper to lead the sound in a new way. Chloe has always been amazed at how the nearly silent, unassuming Asian woman can beatbox with such considerable skill. Her sound carries effortlessly throughout the conference room, even with her lacking a microphone. Chloe can tell the room is shocked. No one other than a Bella, and maybe the Trebles could've ever expected that the small dark haired Korean to put on such a performance. It seems almost impossible that such an array of sounds, so complex and nuanced can come from such a petite person, but her mastery of the art form is on full display.

Donald smiles at Lily who returns it fervently and the two fall in sync with one another, their beats and energy matching. Their sounds fuse seamlessly into each other, each bringing a different sound; which in turn pulls the other three sounds in, but now at a considerably more up-tempo rhythm than before.

Lily has also introduced more movement into this performance. The Tone Hanger, Mitch, and Hans had only made the slightest movements in their performance since they had first started. Even then it had all been upper body, just enough to help deliver the sound. Donald had moved into their performance with confidence that allowed him to sway a bit to the beats they were creating; but it was nothing compared to the moves Lily brought to the floor. It was if Lily was creating a new martial arts that is an amalgamation of Kung Fu, the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, and beatboxing.

There's an audible gasp from the people around the room as Lily goes through a series of complex moves, kicks, bends twists, and seemingly impossible body postures, all the while maintaining her steadily growing beatbox progression. She moves with pure energy, her flow connects seamlessly with the beats being created.

The amazing synthesis of sound and movement combine to allow Lily to seize control of the performance. She establishes the rhythm and controls it with her motion, setting the tempo and style. She keeps up an uninterrupted flow of sounds without breaking motion, and the others fall into harmony naturally.

The four men match Lily in sound if not the fluidity of her motion, their rhythm racing them along to the finish, a perfect cadence executed in flawless harmony. The four men have subordinated themselves to the clear master today, and they easily provide a rhythmic background of interwoven beats.

The crowd of potential performers are really getting into what they are seeing, applauding, and cheering on their friends and teammates. The Bellas are especially rooting on Lily. The loss of Beca and Emily from their team, leaving them with a desperate need to cheer.

At its peak, all five beatboxers are making amazing music that echoes throughout the room. It's so instinctive, so easy for the four performers following Lily's lead. They are in a zone with each other now, seeming to know just what the others are going to do, and able to mix and layer their sounds. It seems impossible that sounds so rich, fast, and dark, yet harmonious and nuanced could come from such an eclectic group of individuals.

Abruptly, all the sound cut off at once.

Lily finishes with a noise mimicking an explosion,

There's a second of stunned silence from the Executives before Mayer jumps up, yelling out, "Hell Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!"

White releases the breath he's been holding, and says "Yes," under his breath.

Brightslymoore shouts as he punches the air, "Yes! Wait did anyone video that? Why didn't anyone video that!?"

The entire room roars with applause, the Tone Hanger lets out a triumphant whoop! The entire room has an intense appreciation for what they have just witnessed.

"Seriously why didn't anyone video that!?"

"Oh my god… That was amazing…" Ms Hoffman's smooth voice cuts through the cheering.

"I think we can agree that a beatbox competition in the show has potential," says Xavier looking over at Masterson.

"I suppose…" concedes Masterson.

"Crushed it!" Amy whoops, then looks up and around as if trying to see where that came from.

"Can we do a redo?" Brightslymoore asks plaintively. "Can we do a redo!?"

"I'm still not sold on the entire concept," says Masterson ignoring Brightslymoore. Xavier and Hoffman just shake their heads.

Ramirez decides to step in. She looks down at the one-page document in front of her. "That was quite impressive. The question is, can the other performances match? I've read your proposal Mr Allen, and I would like to see from you what a Riff Off is."

"Okay, no problem. That has always been the plan. So first thing you need to know about a Riff-off is that it's a singing competition between a number of cappella groups," answers Bumper.

Fat Amy continues, "The groups will sing songs based off of given categories, one group starts and then the other groups have to match that song with another."

"Sounds easy enough." said Xavier.

Fat Amy smirks, "There's a catch, the first word of the song the groups choose to sing has to be the last word that the other group is singing."

Ms Ramirez looks perplexed at this point, she asks, "Does the matching word have to be the first word of a song?"

Bumper shakes his head, "No, you can start with the chorus, or the third line. As long as it's a word that matches."

Stepping up again, Brightslymoore adds, "In the competition though, we will have the knockout round where the matching word does have to be the first word of the new song. By the way, are there any security cameras set up in here, anything that might be recording the room?"

Ramirez ignores the question, and instead asks, "And you think think these groups can handle a Riff-off right now?"

"Can they handle it? Can they handle it?" Brightslymoore shouts out.

"Well can they?" Ramirez asks.

"Of course they can!" Answers Fat Amy and Brightslymoore in unison.

Mr White looks expectantly to Bumper. "Maybe it's time to showcase the Riff-off?"

Bumper nods, "Yes, I think you're right. Can we pass out the microphones?" White nods, and signals the audio visual guys in the back of the room. The five men begin pushing carts stacked with large gray cases. As they approach the tables they open these cases, and begin handing out microphones.

As Chloe is handed a microphone, Brightslymoore turns with his and shouts into the microphone, "Can you dig it?" He's met with silence, he taps the microphone, and Chloe can see him questioning an audio visual guy, who shows him how to turn the microphone on with the switch at the bottom. He nods his thanks and tries again, even louder, the speakers working just fine, "I said, CAN, YOU, DIG, IT?"

There's a shout from the tables, but Brightslymoore isn't satisfied, "No, no, no! I SAID, CAN YOU DIG IT?" Now the participants all shout out.

Bumper lifts his microphone and calls out, "Then join us in the center here, because we're having a riff-off!"

"You heard my man Bump! Let's riff!" Mayer declares as the groups all rise from their tables, and step into the center space, each team arranging themselves into small half-circles by their table.

"Okay folks, for this first Riff-off we're doing it traditional match-style," Brightslymoore announces. "It's a simple game, folks, remember you can cut in anytime you want, you just have to match your lyrics to the word being sung."

"Usually, there would be three ways to fall out of the contest. One your team messes up the lyrics of the song they are attempting to sing, two, if your group sings a song outside the category or an original," he give a pointed look at Emily, who looks properly chagrined standing between Beca and Benji. She fiddles with the microphone in her hands, keeping her head down. "And three, if ten songs go by without your team contributing at least once. This is what we will have you do in the competitions on the show. However for this demonstration we're doing something a bit different. Instead of a competition where groups are knocked out, instead each group has to contribute one song to each topic. Once your team contributes, step back."

Chloe nervously passes the microphone from hand to hand as she looks over the six teams as they line up. She realizes that the Bellas and Treblemakes are really well represented. There's her Bellas and the Bellas Alice has created a team with. Former Trebles make up the Tone Hangers of course, and the group Donald and Unicycle have formed a team with. Then there's the hybrid group that Jesse formed with Beca and Emily. The only outlier is Das Sound Machine. Chloe realizes Bumper must have called in a lot of favors with former Treblemakers to form this presentation.

With six teams there will be only five other songs performed, thus this will be really quick and fast paced. Meaning each group has to think fast on their feet. Chloe can hear the teams whispering amongst themselves, so she can guess they are coming to the same conclusion. She spots Beca looking over at her. The petite brunette gives her a lopsided grin, which Chloe returns warmly. She knows this is tough on Beca, so she plans on being as supportive as possible.

"We'll be providing the category for each round." Bumper says, pulling Chloe's attention back to the front. "My lovely bride to be has an app on her iPhone," he smiles at Fat Amy, who blows him a kiss as she shows her iPhone. "With which she will bring up the song category. So my love, first category." Chloe watches as Bumper makes a grand gesture of pointing to Fat Amy.

Amy holds up her phone, "Motown sound, Pitches!"

There's a pause as the groups all whisper among those themselves. Alice and her friends are the first to race to the middle, just beating out the Tone Hangers, and one of Jesse's USC buddies.

Set me free why don't cha babe

Get out my life why don't cha babe

'Cause you don't really love me

You just keep me hangin' on

Set me free why don't cha babe

Get out my life why don't cha babe (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

'Cause you don't really need me

But you keep me hangin' on

Why do you...

It's Jesse who jumps in cutting Alice off. Chloe's former captain give Jesse a scowl, but one of her friends whisper something in her ear, and her face lights up and she withdraws with the rest of her friends.

Jesse jumps in with both feet, and Chloe is reminded of the first riff-off she saw him sing. Yes Beca's performance overshadowed all, especially for Chloe, but the redhead could remember that Jesse really brought it that night. He had a natural talent for the spontaneous nature of a riff-off that can be heard as he belts out the classic Motown song 'Do You Love Me' into his microphone.

You broke my heart 'cause I couldn't dance,

You didn't even want me around

And now I'm back to let you know I can really shake 'em down

Do you love me?

Do you love me?

Beca slides up next to Jesse, and he flashes her a grin and a wink. Beca shakes her head, but the grin on her face in undeniable as she lifts her microphone. Chloe feels her heart drop a little, and she closes her eyes, not really strong enough at this moment to watch how perfect the couple can be when they are in sync. Beca's voice adds to the harmony, as she turns Jesse's song into a duet.

(I'm in the groove)

Chloe can hear the love in Jesse's voice as he sings back, his eyes alight with love, his smile warm and shining, and she feels the emptiness in her soul more.

Now do you love me?

Beca's voice is sweet as she answers. Her cheeks warm with slight tinge of pink, but the smile she returns is genuine, as she sings into the microphone.

(Do you love me now that I can dance?)

Watch me, now

(Work, work) oh, work it out baby

(Work, work) well, I'm gonna drive you crazy

(Work, work) ah, just a little bit of soul, now?

(Work)

Oh...

Now it's Donald who jumps in, just cutting off a Tone Hanger who looked like he was about to. Donald isn't as confident in his opening as Jesse had been, but his voice quickly gains confidence, as Jesse gives him a grin, and bows before he and the rest of his team fall back.

Oh, baby, give me one more chance

To show you that I love you

Won't you please let me

Back in your heart

Oh, darling, I was blind to let you go

Let you go baby

Cause now since I see you it is all

I want you back

Yes, I do now

I want you back

Oo oo baby

I want you back

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

I...

It's the Tone Hangers that jump in this time. They are all smiles as they simultaneously sing together.

I

Can turn the gray sky blue

I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I

I can build a castle from a single grain of sand

I can make a ship sail, on dry land tell 'em yeah

But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue

'Cause I can't get next to you

I can't get next to you, babe (next to you)

I can't get next to you (I just can't get next you)

I can't get next to you, babe

I can't get next to you

I...

Kommissar strides forward all confidence and sex appeal, standing tall and proud. Chloe has to give it up to the statuesque blonde, she knows how to strut it for effect. The Amazon like blonde waits for just the right moment and then cuts in on the Tone Hangers, who all seem a little memorized by the German. As she starts singing she throws a wink at Beca, causing the petite brunette to blush and Chloe to seethe with jealousy.

I bet you're wonderin' how I knew

'Bout your plans to make me blue

With some other guy you knew before

Between the two of us guys

You know I loved you more

The other nine members of DSM fall in perfect unison in behind their blonde leader, and begin to sing the chorus, and Chloe is reminded that the Bellas don't have the best track record against the German group. They are really good. It's at that point Chloe realizes that the members of DSM are not holding microphones. She then notes that they are wearing headsets. Aubrey notices it too, and arches an eyebrow in silent question.

It took me by surprise I must say

When I found out yesterday

"I'm up for any suggestions," whispers Aubrey.

"Do you have any ideas Bree. Maybe something like from the Supremes. They seem like a group you would like," whispers Stacie back, but Aubrey just shakes her head no.

Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine

Not much longer would you be mine

"We really need a song guys…" says Ashley plaintively. Jessica nods, "Any song…"

Oh I heard it through the grapevine

Oh I'm just about to lose my mind

Lily mumbles something and it says something that the Bellas look hopeful, but their faces show their disappointment as Chloe whispers, "No Lily. Seriously we need to talk about this idea that fire is a solution."

Honey, honey yeah

I heard it through the grapevine

Not much longer would you be mine baby

Denise whispers loudly, "Come on guys, someone has to have an idea for our song." All the Bellas look around, shrugging, and Chloe begins to worry, because Motown is not an era that she really knows.

I know a man ain't supposed to cry

But these tears I can't hold inside

Losin' you would end my life you see

"This is going to be really embarrassing in a minute," whispers Stacie, and Chloe can only nod.

'Cause you mean that much to me

You could have told me yourself

That you loved someone else

Instead I heard it through the grapevine

Not much longer would you be mine

Oh, I…

Chloe knows the DSM song is nearly over, and now is really beginning to sweat it. Looking about the Bellas faces she can tell they are feeling the same that they still haven't got a song. Suddenly Cynthia Rose's face lights up and Chloe feels a surge of hope. The young black woman steps forward cutting off the Kommissar who was striding over again and starts singing.

I don't like you

But I love you

Seems that I'm always

Thinking of you

The Bellas all break into grins as they watch their friend step up. Cynthia may be pitch to pitch the strongest singer of the Bellas, and Chloe feels a deep sense of relief as her young friend sings into her microphone.

Oh, oh, oh,

You treat me badly

I love you madly

The Bellas all fall in behind CR, and while they don't have the precision of DSM, their years of familiarity allows them to move with an ease and confidence.

You've really got a hold on me

You've really got a hold on me

You've really got a hold on me

You've really got a hold on me, baby

Chloe can't help but smile at the sound the Bellas are producing. Especially considering they haven't all sung together since CR's wedding to Maria, and she doubts they have ever sung this song together.

I don't want you,

But I need you

Don't want to kiss you

But I need to

Oh, oh, oh

You do me wrong now

My love is strong now

You've really got a hold on me

You've really got a hold on me...

The Bellas end with a theatrical flourish that Chloe is quite happy with.

Masterson clears his throat, breaking the moment. Chloes performance high is punctured as he says gravely, "Wasn't the category 'Motown', I don't think the Beatles count." He doesn't seem all that impressed, either with the Bellas, or the whole performance.

Cynthia Rose throws her shoulders back and lifts her chin in a definite pose of defiance. She answers confidently, "You're right, the Beatles weren't Motown, but Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were, and 'You've really got a hold on me' was their song, sung in 1962. The Beatles did a cover in 1963."

Aubrey throws an arm around CR and says to Masterson, "Told you, music library."

"That's my Cyn, my musical genius," declares Maria sweeping her wife into a kiss.

"Uh yeah… Well, learn something new," says Travis White, he blushes and gives a nervous laugh. He looks quite anxious to Chloe, as if he knows Masterson can be a huge obstacle, and is desperate to keep him happy.

Bumper jumps in, not wanting this to blow up, "So we gave you a taste of an older sound, now let's try a change of pace."

He points at Fat Amy who holds her phone up and shouts, "Rappers Gone Hollywood!"

Pieter of DSM is first out of the gate this time. He literally jumps into the middle, cutting off Unicycle and the Tone Hanger who took part in the Beatbox battle. Pieter's voice is deep and strong, and he's close to shouting the lyrics, DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK! which causes Chloe and a number of others in the room to flinch.

Don't call it a comeback

I've been here for years

I'm rocking my peers

Puttin' suckers in fear

Makin' the tears rain down like a monsoon

The rest of DSM form up behind Pieter with military precision. Kommissar just a step back and to his right. Hans and two other of the DSM men begin a percussion backbeat, blending well with the German's rap.

Listen to the bass go boom

Explosions, overpowerin'

Over the competition I'm towerin'

Wrecking shop when I write these lyrics

That'll make you call the cops

Don't you dare stare, you better move

Don't ever compare

Me to the rest that'll all get sliced and diced

Competition's payin' the price

Kommissar leads the rest of DSM in singing the chorus. They really bring energy to the lines, belting them out with impressive strength.

I'm gonna knock you out

Mama said knock you out

I'm gonna knock you...

It's a Tone Hanger who steps up and starts rapping to cut off DSM, he's holding the microphone close to his mouth, giving his rap a breathy sound. It's the little man that Chloe has always thought looks like a troll, though now every time Chloe has seen this short man over the last four years, she can't help but remember the time Beca punched him out after semi's in her freshman year.

You looking at the grand wizard, war lord vocal chord so vicious

And I don't have to show riches to pull up pull off with some bad bitches

And it ain't about chivalry

It's about dope lyrics and delivery

The Tone Hanger may look comical rapping into his microphone, but he actually brings it strong, and shows remarkable skill as he lays down the Ice Cube song.

It's about my persona ain't nothing like a man that can do what he wanna

Ain't nothing like man on that you knew on the corner

See 'em come up and fuck up the owner

See 'em throw up Westside California

Nigga I'm hot as Phoenix Arizona

There's a bit of a gasp from the executives at the Ice Cube lyrics. The four executives looking among themselves.

I'm Utah I got multiple bitches

It's a new law keep a hold of yo riches

Dumb nigga don't spend it as soon as you get it

More murmuring from the executives at the lyrics, but if the Tone Hanger is bothered by this, he doesn't show it. He just keeps going unperturbed.

And recognize I'm a captain and you a lieutenant

The rest of the Tone Hangers join in and all begin to belt out the Ice Cube classic.

I can say what I want to say ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it

If I call you a nigga ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it

I can act like an animal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it

If I eat you like a cannibal ain't nothin to it gangsta rap made me do it

I'm raw as a dirty needle

Choke an eagle

Just to feed all my people

Lyrically I'm so...

Beca confidently steps up for her team and Chloe can't help but remember the first Riff-off they shared together watching her best friend. She can just tell by Beca's stride and stance as she lifts her mike that the petite DJ is about to bring it; and she's right as her best friend cuts in.

So what we get drunk?

So what we smoke weed?

We're just having fun

We don't care who sees

So what we go out?

Chloe can't help but smile at Beca's choice of artists. Ever since that mini-breakthrough at Residual Heat working on the Christmas album, Beca had had an affinity for Snoop Dogg.

That's how it's supposed to be

Living young and wild and free

Beca's doing what Chloe has come to think of as the Beca Strut; it's a bit of walk with a sway of the shoulders and a little shake of the hips as she feels the music. Chloe called Beca on it once and the brunette had looked at her in confusion, and Chloe had realized the brunette hadn't realized she's doing it. It's just her feeling the music. Chloe never brought it up again, she didn't want to make her best friend self-conscious, and to be honest she didn't want Beca to quit it. It's kind of HOT.

So what I keep 'em rolled up?

Saggin' my pants, not caring what I show

Keep it real with my niggas

More mumbling from the executives, and Chloe can see that Mr White is getting more anxious; Bumper too, though Amy and Brightslymoore don't seem bothered in the least.

Keep it player for these hoes

And look clean don't it?

Washed it the other day, watch how you lean on it

An idea comes to Chloe on a possible song. It just might work as she goes over the lyrics in her head.

Give me some 501 jeans on it

Roll joints bigger than King Kong's fingers

And smoke them hoes down 'til they stingers

You a class clown and if I skip for the...

Chloe is moving before she knows what she's doing, she's caught up in Beca's rap, feeling the music. Yet in her mind she's already merged the Snoop Dogg song with her choice. Her voice cuts off Beca, catching the tiny DJ off guard.

The ladies will kick it the rhyme that is wicked

Those that don't know how to be pros get evicted

A woman can bear you break you take you

It take a second for Beca to realize who has cut her off. She gives the redhead a patented Mitchell smirk as she realizes it's Chloe rapping. Chloe returns it challengingly, though she can't help the sparkle in her eye as she lays down her rhyme into her microphone.

Now it's time to rhyme can you relate to

A sister dope enough to make you holler and scream

Beca seems to be suitably impressed with Chloe's choice of Queen Latifah songs. She gives a small salute with her microphone and bows back. For good measure she includes a quick wink that only Chloe can see.

At the same moment Stacie comes up to Chloe placing a hand on her back. She gives the redhead a nod while arching her right eyebrow. Chloe nods and lets the sexy brunette take the next line.

Ayo let me take it from here Queen Chloe

Excuse me but I think I'm about do

To get into precisely what I am about to do

I'm conversating to the folks that have no whatsoever clue

So listen very carefully as I break it down for you

Merrily merrily merrily merrily hyper happy overjoyed

Pleased with all the beats and rhymes my sisters have employed

Slick and smooth throwing down the sound totally a yes

Let me state the position: Ladies first, yes? (Yes)

The rest of the Bellas surround Chloe and Stacie and join in, all singing together.

Believe me when I say being a woman is great, you see

I know all the fellas out there will agree with me

Not for being one but for being with one

Because when it's time for loving it's the woman that gets some

Strong, stepping, strutting, moving on

Rhyming, cutting, and not forgetting

We are the ones that give birth

To the new generation of prophets because it's Ladies First

Chloe takes the lead again, as all the other Bellas begin humming, while Lily and Denise provide a percussion beat.

I break into a lyrical freestyle

Grab the mic, look into the crowd and see smiles

Cause they see a woman standing up on her own two

Sloppy slouching is something I won't do

Some think that we can't flow (can't flow)

Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)

I'm a mess around and flip the scene into reverse

The Bellas all belt out the next line together with enthusiastic gusto.

(With what?) With a little touch of "Ladies First"

Aubrey steps forward and signals Chloe that she wants the next lyrics solo. The redhead nods, and the former blonde captain takes over.

Who said the ladies couldn't make it, you must be blind

If you don't believe, well here, listen to this rhyme

Ladies first, there's no time to rehearse

I'm divine and my mind expands throughout the universe

A female rapper with the message to send the

Chloe Beale is a perfect specimen

The redhead can't help but laugh out loud at her friend's quick edit to the song, having substituted Chloe's name for the original artist's, Queen Latifah.

My sister, can I get some?

Stacie takes the next, using the lyrics of the song to take over. Aubrey nods as she responds with a wink.

Sure, Stacie My Love, come on…

Stacie actually blushes at Aubrey's slight edit to the lyrics, and blows the blonde a kiss. Chloe chuckles at her friends antics. She's actually begun to wonder if the Bellas are going to finish their song because no one has stepped up so far.

It's at that moment Alice steps forward for her team. Chloe's former nemesis gives the Bellas a sneering look and then starts singing the Will Smith original.

On your mark ready set let's go

Dance floor pro I know you know

I go psycho when my new joint hit

Just can't sit

Got to get jiggy wit it, thats it

Now honey honey come ride

DKNY all up in my eye

You gotta Prada bag with a lot a stuff in it

It strikes Chloe that so far all the singing of Alice's team has done by Alice herself. The rest of the former Bellas seem content so far to let their former captain to handle the singing so far.

Give it to your friend let's spin

Everybody lookin' at me

Glancin' the kid

Wish you nig was dancin' the jig

Here with this handsome kid

Ciga-cigar right from Cuba-Cuba

I just bite it

It's for the look I...

Alice again looks a bit perturbed when Unicycle steps in for his team. He ignores her though. He's all smiles as he begins to recite the lines from Ice-T's 'O.G. Original Gangster'.

I used to listen to rappers flow

Talkin' bout the way

They rocked the mic at the disco

I liked how that shit was goin' down

With my own sound

So I tried to write rhymes

Somethin' like them, my boys said,

"That ain't you Ice,

Donald jumps in; rapping out the next verse, so that both men are now rapping together.

That shit sounds like them."

So I sat back, thought up a new track

Didn'T fantasize, kicked the pure

Facts. Motherf'rs got scared

Cause they was unprepared

who would tell it how it really was?

Who dared?

A motherfucker from the West Coast

L.A. South Central fool

Where the Crips and the Bloods play

When I wrote about parties

It didn't fit

Six in the Mornin'

That was the real shit

Unicycle and Donald end with arms crossed over their chests, shouting out their last line.

O.G. Original Gangster!

There's a silence that settles over the room. The four executives look from one another, but none say anything. Each seems to be judging the response of the others. Travis White looks like his collar has grown tight, and Bumper seems to be sweating a little.

"That was outstanding!" Shouts Brightslymoore, and he let's out a whoop as he trades high-fives with Fat Amy. Bumper also returns one, but with considerably less enthusiasm.

"That was interesting," says Hoffman. She doesn't seem to be a Hip Hop fan, so Chloe is not sure how to judge her reaction.

"Pretty good," says Mr Xavier. He smiles, but the praise is not ringing.

On the other hand John Mayer seems much more excited by what he just witnessed. "I'm loving what I'm seeing," declares John Mayer. "What's next?"

"I think we can agree though there will need to be some restrictions on the song lyrics," says Ramirez.

Travis White is nodding, "Of course, of course…"

Bumper jumps in, "This of course was to show you this could be done, with various musical styles. Which I think we've proven. One way it will be different in the show is that the contestants will be given the eight possible categories ahead of time, so they have a chance to bank a selection of songs. We'll provide a set of guidelines on what are unacceptable lyrics, and will have a rule that if they violate the guidelines their team loses the riff-off."

Mr Xavier nods, "That could work."

Masterson still looks uncomfortable, so Amy speaks up. "Our next demonstration will be different, and I think you will like it. Each group will be asked to perform a song that answers the question put forward to them."

Bumper is nodding, "So yeah, this won't be Riff-off style. Each group will be able to complete their presentation, and we will point to the group to start."

"There'll be no restrictions on musical styles sung, so you'll get an idea of the group's style and personality," continues Amy.

"But the group will only have thirty seconds to start once pointed at," adds Brightslymoore.

"This could be intriguing," says Ramirez.

"Let's see what you can do," agrees Hoffman.

"Please proceed," states Masterson.

"Okay Mr Allen, Ms Wilson, Mr Brightslymoore, please proceed with the next demonstration," says Mr White, trying desperately to reinsert himself into the dynamic of the room.

Bumper turns and addresses the teams that are lined up behind him. "Okay folks, so far so good. Our next demonstration is not a Riff-off, but instead an improv. Perform, both music and movement, that answers the question that my man Brightslymoore is going to present to you." He claps the bald man on the back as he says, "Take it away Sir Willups."

Brightslymoore smiles proudly and steps away from Bumper. He points directly at the Bellas and says into the microphone, "Sing us a song that captures the essence of why you should be on this show."

The eyes of all the Bellas go wide, they weren't ready for this question. Denise looks to Chloe and Aubrey, "What do we do?" Chloe gives a slight shake of her head and looks at Aubrey. The former blonde captain chews on her bottom lip as she thinks fast.

Bumper chimes in, "We're waiting Aubrey…"

Cynthia Rose asks her friends, "Do you guys trust me?" As all the Bellas nod, CR looks at her wife and says, "I really need you to trust me."

As Maria says of course, CR grabs Stacie's hand and pulls her up to the front, just in front of the table with the executives. As she hustles Stacie up, she whispers, "Junior year hood party. Stacie looks at her friend confused for a moment.

Just as she skids to a halt Cynthia Rose raises her microphone and starts singing, her deep melodious voice resonating throughout the room. A look of recognition crosses Stacie's face as she registers the song CR has chosen.

When your hear us in the club

You gotta turn the shit up

You gotta turn the shit up

You gotta turn the shit up

As Cynthia sings she spins Stacie about and pulls the taller woman in tight against her. It was a move they had done on a table during a hood party. Stacie remembers that first time singing this song, and how they had moved together that night. She smiles seductively at the panel of executives and begins to grind back into CR, who at that moment is squatting lower. Stacie adds her voice to Cynthia's and they both sing the next verse.

When we up in the club

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

"You ain't kidding about all eyes on them. Who can look away from that," observes Ashley as she along with everyone else watch Cynthia Rose and Stacie do a form of dirty dancing they had come to perfect their four years of college as they sing the Will. song.

See the boys in the club

They watching us

They watching us

They watching us

Everybody in the club

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

And all eyes are on the two Bellas as they move with the music they are making. Stacie spins CR about and shimmies her body up and down Cynthia's. Maria begins singing as the chorus starts, and saunters over to the pair, taking up a position on the opposite side of Cynthia Rose from Stacie. The tall Latina's voice blends perfectly with the two Bellas.

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

Maria slides in tight against her wife, so CR is now sandwiched between the two sexy brunettes. Chloe almost laughs out loud at the look of bliss that shines on CR's face.

You are now now rocking with

Cynthia Rose and Stacie bitch!

Stacie is emphatic in her pronouncement, tossing a wink at the executives. The rest of the Bellas are now in a half circle around the trio, providing backup on the chorus.

Oh yeah, Oh yeah, Oh yeah

Bring the action

Cynthia smiles as the Bellas join in. Their sound a reassuring presence behind her. She continues to move in a manner with Stacie and her wife in what can only be described as sexy.

Rock and roll

Everybody let's lose control

On the bottom we let it go

Going faster, we ain't going slow-low-low hey yo

Hear the beat, now let's hit the floor

Drink it up and then drink some more

Light it up and let's let it blow, blow, blow hey yo,

Rock it out and rock it now

If you know what we talking 'bout

Turn it up and burn down the house ha house, hey yo

Turn it up and go turn it down

Here we go we go shake it bam 'cause everywhere we go we

Bring the action

At Cynthia's signal, the Bellas quiet for the next part and Maria and Stacie sing it as a duet. Their voices harmonize remarkably well, as if they've been singing together for years.

When your hear us in the club

You gotta turn the shit up

You gotta turn the shit up

You gotta turn the shit up

Cynthia joins her voice with their duet and makes it a trio who harmonize beautifully.

When we up in the club

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

You see them girls in the club

They looking at us

They looking at us

Everybody in the club

All eyes on us

All eyes on us

The Bellas all join in again, each swaying to the music they are creating. It's not coordinated to Chloe's usual standards, but years of singing and dancing together both in competition and fun lend the girls a natural rhythm and synchronization. Chloe feels they are acquitting themselves quite nicely.

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh we oh

Cynthia Rose and Stacie break from the rest of the Bellas and strut towards the executives. Just before the table they lay down the next line in clear tones, harmonious with the rest, but clear and loud that all can here.

You are now now rocking with Cynthia and Stacie bitch!

The two do a quick about face and again strut back to the rest of the Bellas, doing their best runway model walk. The rest of the Bellas continue to move about, adopting a routine style Chloe had developed for their final ICCA Championship.

Oh yeah

Oh yeah

It goes on and on and on and on

When me and you party together

I wish this night would last forever

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

We sayin' oh we oh, we oh, we oh

I wanna scream and shout and let it all out

And scream and shout and let it out

The Bellas continue to sing, with Cynthia Rose playing conductor, even as she continues to vocalize the lead. Chloe also gives quick signals to the women around her, using signs she had developed over the years to get the Bellas moving with the song, adding a visual element to their performance. It's rough, and not up to their usual standards, but she's happy to see the Bellas give a great impromptu performance.

Cynthia signals the Bellas to quiet again, so only she and Stacie are still singing, her plan for the two of them to finish this song just like they did at the Hood party.

You are now now rocking with

Cynthia Rose and Stacie bitch!

Stacie again winks at Ms Hoffman as she and CR finish the song; Hoffman blushes deeply, which causes Stacie to chuckle.

There's a pause as the song ends, and then the performers behind give a good cheer, and clap at the Bella's performance. Chloe notices though that the executives look less than impressed. She's really wishing Beca was by her side.

"Interesting choice," says Sir Willups, "Now let's hear from the… What's your name again? Nova something… Oh, what? Oh yeah, the Nueva Bellas. Why should ya'll be part of this competition?"

Alice smirks at Chloe and Aubrey as she and her former Bellas move forward with much more choreographed precision than the Bellas had just managed to pull-off. To Chloe's eyes, as her former teammates step up behind Alice, and begin to hum in accompaniment, their movements and sound seem very rehearsed.

Alice of course again takes the lead in singing, and Chloe isn't surprised that the song is a classic of the Eighties.

Baby, look at me and tell me what do you see?

You ain't seen the best of me yet

Give me time, I'll make you forget the rest

I've got more in me, and you can set it free

Alice has a great voice, Chloe has always recognized that. She was a former captain of the Bellas after all. Yet it had been a long time since Chloe had heard her former captain. Hearing her today she's reminded just how good of a singer Alice is, as the woman sings the opening lines to Fame originally sung by Irene Cara.

I can catch the moon in my hand

Don't you know who I am?

Remember my name

The former Bellas who make up Alice's Nueva Bellas step up behind the singer, and begin to provide their accompaniment. Singing the name of the song in clear and strong vocals.

(Fame) I'm gonna live forever

I'm gonna learn how to fly (High)

I feel it coming together

People will see me and cry

(Fame) I'm gonna make it to heaven

Light up the sky like a flame

(Fame) I'm gonna live forever

Baby, remember my name

Grudgingly Chloe has to admit that these 'Nueva Bellas' sound pretty good, and look even better. She remembers they all had bikini ready bodies in college, and now in their late twenties/early thirties they all look exceptionally fit and beautiful. Their movements as a team are also superb. The choreography reminds her of the routine that Alice used to take the team to Nationals.

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

The more she watches, the more Chloe would swear on a stack of bibles that Alice and her mean girls have been practicing. Their movements are too precise, too well rehearsed. They look like they're in Regionals form, not just come together with a surprise performance, their timing impeccable.

Baby hold me tight, 'cause you can make it right

You can shoot me straight to the top

Give me love and take all I got to give

Baby I'll be tough, too much is not enough, no

I can ride your heart 'til it breaks

Ooh, I got what it takes

"What the Hell Chloe!" Aubrey hisses. "No effin way this is an improv routine!"

"I know Bree, this seems too rehearsed…"

Remember my name,

Fame! I'm gonna live forever

I'm gonna learn how to fly (High!)

I feel it coming together

People will see me and cry

A second Nueva Bella, named Tina, who was a Senior Chloe's Sophomore year steps up and starts singing lyrics from a different song.

Boys call you sexy

And you don't care what they say

Chloe's jaw drops as she recognizes the lyrics to the Pussycat Dolls 'When I Grow Up'. She couldn't believe that Alice and her team were mashing two songs.

See every time you turn around

They screaming your name

Nueva Bellas seem to take on more energy as they merge these two songs.

Fame! I'm gonna make it to heaven

Light up the sky like a flame

(Fame) I'm gonna live forever

Baby, remember my...

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

"Guys, I'm kinda feeling our effort comes off as second rate" whispers Cynthia Rose.

Jessica and Ashley nod and say, "Uh-huh."

Light up the sky like a flame

Fame! I'm gonna live forever

Baby, remember my name...

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

Chloe couldn't remember Tina's voice from back in the day, she's not sure she had a solo their whole time singing together, but the petite blonde is singing strong today. Chloe is not sure what Tina does today, but she looks very natural with the microphone in her hand.

Now I've got a confession

When I was young I wanted attention

And I promised myself that I'd do anything

Anything at all for them to notice me

If this were a judged event, Alice's team would beat the Bellas, Chloe has to concede. They're hitting it out of the park. They're actually putting on an entire routine, with coordinated dance moves, and impeccable singing. It's easy to see why this team went to Nationals, and was considered a favorite to win.

Baby, remember my name...

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

(Remember, remember, remember, remember)

"This proves it Chloe. No way they're coming up with a mashup on the fly," whispers Aubrey. Chloe can only nod. She sees Stacie also agreeing.

Fame! I'm gonna live forever

(I wanna be a star)

(I wanna be in movies)

(Be on TV)

I'm gonna learn how to fly

High!

I feel it coming together

(Fresh and clean)

People will see me and cry!

At this point in the performance Alice seems to be singing to Tina, who then responds in-kind. Chloe knows now the moves are well rehearsed.

(I wanna be famous)

Fame! I'm gonna live forever

(Be on magazines)

I'm gonna learn how to fly

High!

I feel it coming together

People will see me and cry!

But I ain't complaining

We all wanna be famous

So go ahead and say what you wanna say

You don't know what its like to be nameless

Want them to know what your name is

'Cause see when I was younger I would say

I wanna be famous

I wanna be a star

I wanna be in movies

Fame! I'm gonna make it to heaven

Light up the sky so high!

As the Nueva Bellas end their routine, Alice actually throws a wink Aubrey's way, though there's nothing flirty in it. Chloe can tell it's a jab, as if Alice is reminding her best friend what happened at Nationals, oh those many years ago. Still Stacie steps up next to Aubrey to support her.

"Wow, just wow! That was what we're hoping for," says Brightslymoore as he clap enthusiastically. .

"Oh yeah, this is what Bumper promised," declares John Mayer.

The four executives seem more pleased with this latest demonstration.

Brightslymoore points at the older all men A Cappella group standing off to his right, "Now let's hear from the Tone Hangers. Why should you be part of this competition?"

The Tone Hangers look among themselves, murmuring as they try to make a decision. A taller man with brown hair that's just beginning to gray seems to come up with the winning solution. He looks to each of his fellow Tone Hangers, and as they all nod, he smiles and steps forward.

I wish I found some better sounds no one's ever heard,

I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words,

I wish I found some chords in an order that is new,

I wish I didn't have to rhyme every time I sang,

It's a bit surprising choice of songs, but Chloe finds she likes it, and the lyrics provide an interesting answer to the question posed.

I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink,

But now I'm insecure and I care what people think.

The rest of the Tone Hangers join in as the chorus is sung, and while they are not as strong as the other groups in the room, they do have talent and sound good together.

My name's 'Blurryface' and I care what you think.

My name's 'Blurryface' and I care what you think.

The Tone Hanger who had shocked the executives with his Ice Cube rap earlier, steps forward and takes the next lines.

Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol' days,

When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out (oh).

Wish we could turn back time (oh), to the good ol' days (oh),

When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out.

We're stressed out.

Chloe finds herself enjoying the Tone Hangers, but she can't shake her thoughts about Alice's performance, and how well rehearsed it had been. Much more than she and the Bellas had pulled together, or what the Tone Hangers were doing.

My name's 'Blurryface' and I care what you think.

My name's 'Blurryface' and I care what you think.

Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol' days,

Aubrey whispers to Chloe, "At least these guys aren't pulling out a super performance with a mega-mashup."

Chloe nods, "Yeah, this seems more like our performance. Luckily we're not playing for position."

Used to dream of outer space but now they're laughing at our face,

Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money."

The Tone Hangers really belt out this last line. Each member of the group with a huge grin. Chloe can tell they're at least having fun.

Used to dream of outer space but now they're laughing at our face,

Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money."

Yo.

Wish we could turn back time (oh), to the good ol' days (oh),

When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out.

The Tone Hangers really had no coordination in their movements, yet they all came together to belt out the final lyrics.

Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money!"

And with the final words, all ten members of the Tone Hangers struck a different pose, which brought a smile to Chloe's lips. They might be a group of weirdos, hanging onto past A Cappella glory, but they were having fun, and she could totally relate.

"Another interesting choice of songs. Thank you Tone Hangers. Now let's hear you," Sir Willups says, as he points to Donald. He asks "What's your group called?

For his part Donald doesn't hesitate in answering, "We are DoubleTreble," says the former Treblemaker with confidence, he seems quite pleased with the name. Chloe suspects he came up with it. It totally fits the comic boy nerd she knew in college. With a signal from Donald, Unicycle and three others step forward with him and make their way to just in front of the executives. They move and get into position with a purpose, quickly taking up what looks like prearranged positions. There's a pause for a second or two as they all get settled, then Donald does a quiet count, and then they begin singing, and singing strongly.

We are the sure fire winners!

The other five members of DoubleTrebble provide an echo from their positions, and Chloe realizes they had spaced themselves around, so that they can really project their voices. It's all very coordinated.

Winners, winners, winners, winners, winners

Their voices are powerful and strong, as if DoubleTreble is going for shock and awe effect.

We're coming up like killing machines

Our big guns gonna shatter your scene

It's pandemonium on the floor

Cause everybody wants a little more

They wanna ride on the rocket ship

Ride around the moon for a velvet kiss

Cause all the girls and the boys wanna know

How far this bad wild child's gonna go

The rest of DoubleTreble move to join Donald and Unicycle at their spot in front of the judges. They have put some thought into this performance, that's clear to Chloe, It's a lot like the Nueva Bellas, there's an air of practiced coordination in their movements.

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

All ten members of DoubleTreble are in harmony with each other matching their teammates in pitch and volume. Chloe recognizes most of them, they were Trebles from her first few years at Barden. They had been really good then, having won Nationals once, and come in runners up the year Beca helped lead the Bellas to their first National Championship win. Listening to the ten men of DoubleTreble sing, it was easy to see they hadn't seemed to have lost anything.

Bringing the heat and the word is out

Giving you something to shout about

We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners

Sure fire winners, sure fire winners, sure fire winners

Again Chloe is struck by the precision of the choreography the group of men are exhibiting. Theirs is a bit more hiphop than the Nueva Bellas, but it's still well rehearsed. Donald steps into the middle of a circle his teammates have formed and continues to lay down the lyrics, with a decidedly R&B sound.

Flick the switch and the missile will fire

I'm a heat seeker when I'm full of desire

We're all drawn to the heat of the flame

Cause you wanna be a star in the hall of fame

I was born with glitter on my face

My baby clothes made of leather and lace

And all the girls in the club wanna know

Where did all their pretty boys go?

And again DoubleTreble sing as if they want to raise the roof. They are not shouting, their sound is better than that, but it is loud and attention getting.

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

Bringing the heat and the word is out

Giving you something to shout about

We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners

Winners winners

Now it's Unicycle who is taking up the song, though his sound is more Hip Hop than Donald's, it still works, and proves to be a nice contrast. Chloe catches Aubrey's eyes, and they silently exchange the same thought. This was prepared ahead of time.

Ooh yeah, take a walk on the wild with me

Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe

Never gonna stop 'til we reach the top

Never gonna stop 'til we reach the top

You'd better get out of the game it's never gonna be the same

Move over 'cause a new boy's calling your name

All of DoubleTreble again come together, focusing their voices on the executives who sit just twelve feet away. They have ended their movements, and all stand at attention, singing into their microphones in perfect harmony.

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

Bringing the heat and the word is out

Giving you something to shout about

We are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners

It's easy to see the executives like what they are seeing. Mr Xavier is nodding his head, and both Ms Ramirez and Hoffman are tapping their feet. Chloe is jealous.

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

We are the sure fire winners

Uh-oh yeah big time hitters

Bringing the heat and the word is out

Giving you something to shout about

Yeah we are, yeah, we are, we are the sure fire winners

Gonna take you to the top to the brink of what you believe

"Now that's rocking the house," declares John Mayer. "I knew my man Bump was underselling it when he suggested this demonstration."

"I think we're seeing what can be done by these performers. After a slow start, I think this last showcase is getting on track," says Sir Willup. Stacie takes ahold of Aubrey's elbow to keep the blonde from storming over and throttling Brightslymoore. Chloe is thankful for Stacie's quick thinking. She would have totally missed Aubrey, and it would not have done them any good to have Aubrey arrested for assault, and the Bellas thrown out of the building.

Brightslymoore of course is unaware how close he came to feeling the wrath of Aubrey Posen. Chloe thinks he should count himself very fortunate. The bald man turns again, and points at Kommissar. "This ladies and gentlemen is a great treat. You are about to see a performance of epic proportions; for next you will get to experience A Cappella from one of the most amazing groups in the whole world. I'm talking about the one and only Das Sound Machine!" He raises his fists in the air as he shouts it out, "Let's hear it for DSM!" He looks to Kommissar and asks, "Why do you think you should be part of this competition?"

All the DSM members had already formed an arrowhead shape, with Kommissar as the tip, even before Brightslymoore's question. At a silent signal from Kommissar, Hans and three others start making a percussion sound, and the arrow formation moves to the now vacant center of the performance space. The rest of DSM save for Kommissar start chanting the song lyrics.

We will, we will, Rock You

(Rock You,)

Singing, we will, we will, Rock You

(Rock You,)

Everybody, we will, we will, Rock You,

Rock You!

With amazing synchronization the DSM members quiet down and Kommissar's voice clearly rings out. Her voice is darkly compelling, with a warm, deeply husky quality and has an appealing accent, as she begins singing.

I've paid my dues

Time after time.

I've done my sentence

But committed no crime.

And bad mistakes ‒

I've made a few.

I've had my share of sand kicked in my face

But I've come through.

The rest of DSM breaks out of the formation that is around Kommissar, and move about the center area in a well rehearsed routine that again has Chloe questioning how much preparation the German group has performed prior to this meeting.

(And I need just go on and on, and on, and on)

The members of DSM work so well in sync, both in coordination of choreography, and in their harmonious singing. Kommissar again lets her voice rise above the rest and dominates the room.

We are the champions, my friends,

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.

The whole groups take up the chorus,

(We will, we will, Rock You, Rock You!)

(Singing, we will, we will, Rock You, Rock You!)

(Everybody, we will, we will, Rock You, Rock You!)

Chloe can't help but compare their sound to the sound of a choir she once heard singing in the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris. She had visited it as a young teenager with her parents and had absolutely loved the sound she had heard from the choir which had reverberated through the venerable walls of the famous cathedral. DSM's sound is similarly rich and full.

Kommissar's voice still dominates as she begins again. The tall blonde woman is looking directly at the Bellas as she sings clearly.

We are the champions.

We are the champions.

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions of the world.

"Could have sworn we are the champions, and that we kicked German butt in Copenhagen," whispers Cynthia Rose.

I've taken my bows

And my curtain calls.

"You got that right, CR," huffs Stacie.

You brought me fame and fortune, and everything that goes with it.

I thank you all.

But it's been no bed of roses,

No pleasure cruise.

I consider it a challenge before the whole human race,

And I ain't gonna lose.

A second woman, who looks an awful lot like Beca, so much so Chloe does a double take, steps up and begins a different song.

Tonight we are victorious

Champagne pouring over us

All my friends were glorious

Tonight we are victorious

Tonight we are victorious

Stacie looks over to Chloe and mouths the name, "Panic at the Disco?" Chloe can only nod.

The other members of DSM come in again, strutting back to the middle of the floor, singing a line from the Queen classic.

We will, we will, Rock You

(Rock You,)

Singing, we will, we will, Rock You

(Rock You,)

Everybody, we will, we will, Rock You,

Rock You!

(And I need just go on and on, and on, and on)

Watching the members of DSM give this very stylized performance, Maria whispers loudly, "Does anyone else feel that this group has been working on this prior to today?"

CR nods, "Yeah baby, I think we all do." She pulls her wife in tight next to her.

We are the champions, my friends,

All my friends were glorious

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.

We will Rock You

We are the champions.

Tonight we are victorious

We are the champions

Tonight we are victorious

No time for losers

All of DSM look pointedly at the Bellas as they sing that line, and all the Bellas bristle. It was a planned move, pulled off with the German group's usual precision, so the Bellas know it is an intended insult.

'Cause we are the champions of the world.

Oh-oh-oh-oh, victorious

Oh-oh-oh-oh

"I get the feeling we were setup to look like fools," whispers Aubrey, her anger welling up. Both Stacie and Chloe put a reassuring hand on the blonde's shoulders. It helps to settle her, but the anger's still there.

We are the champions

Tonight we are victorious

And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end

We are the champions.

We are the champions

Tonight we are victorious

"You forget, just…"starts Jessica. "... how good they really are," finishes Ashley. The rest of the Bellas can only nod.

We are the champions

Champagne pouring over us

All my friends we're glorious

Shooting fireworks like it's the fourth of July

We are the champions

Until we feel alright

Tonight we are victorious

Champagne pouring over us

Kommissar just happens to be near Beca as they sing about champagne being poured and lets her hand graze Beca's cheek. She winks at the petite brunette, who stands frozen, with mouth agape. Jesse is just as frozen, mouth just as open. Aubrey and Denise physically restrain Chloe from rushing the floor.

We are the champions

All my friends were glorious

Tonight we are victorious

'Cause we are the champions of the world!

DSM ends just as they began, in perfect synchronization, both in voice and movement. The room is quiet for a moment, before Sir Willup Brightslymoore excitedly starts clapping followed by the enthusiastic John Mayer. Chloe can also see that the four executives were also impressed. Even Masterson. If Chloe were to lay money down on this project getting a green light, she would bet heavily on yes.

"Like I said, that was a treat. Did I tell you? Did I tell you?" Brightslymoore looks so pleased with himself as he looks around for confirmation. "We got that on tape right?" He asks, pointing to the audio visual men. He got a thumbs up and let out a, "Yes!" He continues. "DSM are the class of A Cappella, but I was asked to do these guys last, which seems odd, who would want to follow DSM, but let's ask the question of…"

Jesse steps forward and says, "LA-Dreams."

Brightslymoore nods and says, "... LA-Dreams, why should you be on this show?"

Jesse moves further forward, till he's in the center of the room, directly in front of the executives. He pauses for a few moments as he gathers himself. He then starts to snap his fingers, getting the beat he's imagining in his head, and then begins, his voice quiet, low but clear.

Standing in the rain

With his head hung low

He couldn't get a ticket

It was a sold out show

Heard the roar of the crowd

He could picture the scene

Put his head to the wall

And like a distant scream

He heard one guitar

It just blew him away

He saw stars in his eyes

Benji comes forward beginning his singing even as he moves to stand next to Jesse. There's something in the way he moves, that reminds Chloe of a young boy skipping, but it's not, it's just his zeal that he places into the performance. Though Benji's no longer the shy nerdy freshman Chloe first met years ago, he still sings with an endearing boyish enthusiasm that's quite endearing. Chloe smiles as she sees the adoration on Emily's face.

Here come the jesters, 1, 2, 3

It's all part of my fantasy

I love the music and I love to see the crowd

Dancing in the aisles and singin' out loud, yeah, yeah

Jesse comes back in at this point, his voice stronger.

And the very next day

Bought a beat up six string in a second hand store

Didn't know how to play it but I knew for sure

That one guitar felt good in my hands

Didn't take long to understand

Just one guitar somewhere down low

Was a one way ticket

Only one way to go

So I started rockin'

Half the USC Buddies join Jesse in singing the next lines.

Ain't never gonna stop, no

Gotta keep on rockin'

Someday I'm gonna make it to the top!

And be a jukebox HERO!

(And sing)

Chloe's heart skips a beat as she hears Beca sing. Well Emily is singing too, but Chloe's eyes and ears are focused on her tiny DJ. She's always thought Beca and Emily should do a couple songs together; their voices are so perfect together as the layer into the sound Jesse and his buddies are making

I love rock 'n' roll

So put another dime in the jukebox baby

I love rock 'n' roll

So come and take your time and dance with me

Benji rejoins the song, all smiles as he focusses on Emily. Chloe can tell, for Benji there is only Emily in the room.

Here come the dancers one by one

Your momma's callin' but you're having fun

You find you're dancin' on the number 9 cloud

Put your hands together now and sing it out loud

Jesse begins to solo again, though Beca is now standing next to him, and he seems to be singing to her, and while Chloe found that endearing in Benji, she now just feels a lump of cold in the pit of her stomach.

In a town without a name, in a heavy downpour

Thought I passed my own shadow, by the backstage door

And now Jody, or is it Mitch, Chloe isn't sure which, who solos with a whole new song.

Every time when I look in the mirror

All these lines on my face getting clearer

And suddenly Jesse and Jody (Mitch?) are interweaving lyrics.

(Like a trip through the past, to that day in the rain)

The past is gone

It went by, like dusk to dawn

Isn't that the way.

Everybody's got the dues in life to pay

And that one guitar, made my whole life change

Jesse and Mitch (or is it Jody) are really bringing it now, this part calling for singing with passion. Emily responds, having taken the lead on the Joan Jett classic; and suddenly she and Jesse are performing a duet.

And we'll be movin' on

And singin' that same old song

Yeah with me, singin'

And be a jukebox hero, (so put another dime in the jukebox baby)

I'm a jukebox hero, (so come and take your time and dance with me)

Just a one guitar (jukebox hero)

Got stars in my eyes

Now Beca is layering in another song, with Emily backing her up. Chloe can't help but marvel how well both Beca and Emily have integrated into this new group. It's a testament to both of their talent and skill that they can fit into this new group so well and so fast.

Feel it comin' in the air (Yeah)

And the screams from everywhere (Yeah)

I'm addicted to the thrill (I'm ready)

It's a dangerous love affair (What's up, c'mon)

Only thing that's on my mind (Whats up)

Chloe isn't surprised that Beca is weaving in one more song. It must have killed her to do a mashup without having at least one song from this century. Now she's at least getting to add some Jay Z and Rhianna to this mix. The smile she's sporting as she sings into the microphone is an easy tell she had insisted in placing this song into the mix.

Is who's gonna run this town tonight (What's up)

Who's gonna run this town tonight (What's up)

We gonna run this town

We are, yeah I said it, we are,

Benji now add his voice.

It's my Rock and Roll Fantasy

I'm just a jukebox hero (stars in his eyes)

Jukebox hero (Rock and Roll Fantasy), (I love rock 'n' roll)

Jukebox hero (stars, stars, so come and take your time and dance with me)

Jukebox hero (stars, stars), Fantasy),(I love rock 'n' roll)

Jukebox hero (stars, stars, so come and take your time and dance with me)

Stars in your eyes

I love rock 'n' roll

(Put another dime in the jukebox baby)

If she hadn't figured it out earlier, now Chloe is certain she's listening to a Mitchell special. Jesse might have been able to mash up two, maybe even three songs, but four or five, and this seamlessly? No, this is all Beca.

I know nobody knows

Where it comes and where it goes

(This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance)

(Only thing that's on my mind)

(Is who's gon' run this town tonight) (What's up)

I know it's everybody sin

You got to lose to know how to win

(And be a jukebox hero)

Half my life

Is books, written pages

Live and learn from fools and

From sages

(Here come the Jesters 1,2,3)

You know it's true, oh

All these feelings come back to you

(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)

Sing with me, sing for the years

Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heyy, (What's up)

Is whos gon' run this town tonight?

We are, yeah I said it we are,

It's an amazing blend of songs now, and Chloe can't keep up with all the overlapping layers. The choreography is simpler, with all the singers moving in a figure eight, so they are intertwining their paths, each singing their role, yet it all works.

Sing with me, just for today

Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

(Rock and Roll Fantasy)

Yeah, sing with me, sing for the year

Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear

Sing with me, just for today

(We gonna run this town)

Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Jesse's buddies from USC sing in the background.

Dream on, Dream on, Dream on

Dream until your dreams come true

(It's all part of my rock and roll fantasy, yeah)

"WTF Chloe!" Hisses Aubrey. "Don't tell me they just came up with that mix."

Sing with me, sing for the year

Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear

Chloe just shakes her head. Torn, because the performance is amazing, hurt because this was done behind her back. She watches Beca singing and it reminds her so much of what she saw that first time at the Lincoln Center, when the Bellas shocked everyone and won Nationals.

Put out the spotlights, one and all

Then let the feelin' get down to your soul

The music's so loud, you can hear the sound

Reaching for the sky, churnin' up the ground

Sing with me, just for today

(It's all part of my rock and roll dream, yeah)

Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Sing with me, sing for the year

Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear

(I love Rock and Roll)

Sing with me, just for today

(It's all part of my rock and roll dream)

Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)

It's all part of my rock and roll fantasy

It's all part of my rock and roll dream, yeah

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey

Dream on, Dream on, Dream on

Dream until your dreams come true

Hey, hey, hey hey, (What's up)

Hey, hey, hey hey, hey, hey,

Hey hey, hey, hey,

Hey, hey, hey hey, hey, hey,

Dream on, Dream on, Dream on

Dream until your dreams come true

We gonna run this town tonight!

With a smirk Beca gestures to the executives at the table and declares,

We out!

The room erupts in noise. What DSM had displayed was precision and mastery, while Jesse and Beca's group had just showed raw creativity, art through chaos. It was again an example of musical genius that is Beca Mitchell.

Chloe can't help but cheer, yet it's bittersweet. She can literally feel that her joy doesn't touch her eyes. Beca performing without her is just too hard.

Beca is feeling the moment, her smile is so big and natural, these moments have always been enough for the redhead. It's so rare for the petite brunette to be so free and open; it's almost always tied to a musical experience, there's no way Chloe can begrudge the moment. And Beca can't help but be happy at what she just helped produce; it was amazing, just amazing. Chloe understands this, knows it in her very core, yet can't find the strength to be the best friend she needs to be for Beca. It hurts too much.

Maybe Alice senses this, a weakness to be exploited, because at this moment she slips in with a dagger, "Knew all the talent was with the midget." Her words are meant to hurt and they are quite successful, as Alice sneers at Aubrey and Chloe, "Knew you two didn't have it in you to compete." The thing is, at this moment Chloe can't argue. Every success she's had in the last five years is because of Beca; Chloe knows this.

Of course this is the moment Beca turns towards Chloe. The redhead attempts to slip on her mask, the mask she always wears, the one that hides her true feelings from Beca. But her fatigue and pain must be greater than she realizes, the mask doesn't fall easily into place. Beca's bright smile falters. At first it's just a tiny bit, the corners of her smile dropping ever so slightly, then as Beca really looks at Chloe, the smile fades away.

Without hesitation Beca walks away from her team and towards Chloe, who is desperately trying to show nothing but happiness for her best friend. "Chlo?"

Chloe aggressively attempts to avoid Beca's eyes, as she answers, "That was amazing Becs." She focuses on the front where the executives are talking among themselves, she so does not want to show any sign of her true feelings. How can she? The redhead knows if she were to look at Beca right now, her strength might fail, and it could end badly—so badly.

"Are you alright?" Beca asks as soon as she's right in front of Chloe. The concern quite evident in the sound of her voice, which makes this all the harder on Chloe.

The redhead tries to answer, give some meaningless platitude, anything that might assuage Beca, divert her attention. Yet at that moment words fail Chloe, and she can't answer. Beca is right there, right in front of her, so very close to her. But Chloe can't look at her, can't answer, in fact can't move at all; she's frozen.

"Chloe, are you alright?"

The redhead's mind is blank as she tries to formulate a sensible answer. She opens her mouth but no words come forth. She's putting all her energy into keeping tears at bay. Beca steps even closer and takes her hand, "Chlo?"

With all her willpower Chloe brings her eyes to Beca's, and smiles, "I'm fine. You were amazing…"

She can tell Beca isn't buying it, the petite brunette pushes, "Chlo…"

"What the aca-Hell Beca!" Aubrey comes out of nowhere to burst Beca and Chloe's private bubble. Chloe has never loved Aubrey more. Their blonde friend is keeping her voice down, but her anger is readily apparent to the two of them. It's just the distraction Chloe needs. It pulls Beca's attention off of her.

Before Beca can say anything Aubrey continues, "Don't tell me you and Jesse came up with that rock and roll fantasy mix on the fly!" Aubrey is livid, she's never been one to accept being the butt of a joke, or disrespected.

Beca seems reluctant to look away from Chloe, but she does, begrudgingly. She shakes her head, "No, Jesse told me he was texted last week with this last category. On Monday he and his USC Buddies gave me some songs they had come up with. I then put them into that quick mash-up, with my own addition of course."

Chloe chuckles, she so knew that Beca had added the Jay Z song. Beca's eyes swing around at the sound of Chloe's laugh. Her look of concern instantly morphing into a smile as she sees Chloe's.

"Would have been nice to have the same heads-up," says Stacie a bit bitterly. The tall brunette having stepped up beside Aubrey.

Beca tears her eyes from Chloe's cerulean blue, and looks up at her tall friend. Her brows knit together in confusion. "Wait, you guys weren't given a heads-up on the category list?"

Aubrey, Stacie, and Chloe all answer 'No' at the same time.

Beca honestly looks shocked, "That's not right. How can that be?"

"Bumper!" Aubrey seethes. Looking over at Bumper, the blonde can see his smug self-satisfied smile. He notices her staring daggers, and blows her a kiss then waves. Aubrey's blood pressure spikes. "Aca-huddle now!"

All the Bellas snap to, the women coming together in a football like huddle, arms around each other's shoulders. Beca is automatically pulled in by Chloe.

"So what's the plan now?" Cynthia Rose asks looking at all of her best friends.

"What can we do?" Stacie asks, "The presentation is just about over."

Lily mumbles a response, and Chloe shakes her head, "Lily, Amy really would like her fiancé in one piece."

As Lily shrugs, Denise asks, "So we just take this?"

Everyone looks around at each other then they end up looking to Aubrey and Chloe. Chloe shakes her head. "No, we're not going to be the butt-of-a-joke."

"Damn straight," says Aubrey adamantly.

Beca has an idea, "Let me make this right." She looks around at all of her friends, and asks with some trepidation, "Do you guys trust me?"

Chloe doesn't hesitate, "Of course."

Beca feels her heart warm, and she knows this will work. When Aubrey and Stacie also nod, Beca feels like she's home again. This feeling only grows as Beca looks around at all her closest friends, they all share a smile and nod.

Beca feels better than she has since Sunday morning. "Okay, Aubrey, this is where we prove you can do this on the fly. Lily when I give you the signal you're going to lay down a beat." Beca closes her eyes for a moment, then smiles as she opens them with a smile and says, "Use the beat you used at our second Nationals."

"Chloe buy us a few seconds to get organized, then follow my lead."

Chloe nods and turns towards the executives. Beca thinks she heard the redhead say, "Always…" as she turns.

Beca focuses on Ashley and Jessica, "Do you two still love Fall Out Boy?"

The two women answer simultaneously, "Yeah!"

"Okay, Jess, I want you to open with Centuries, and Ash, when I signal, you will mix in the chorus of Immortals, okay? Watch for my signals."

Pointing at CR, Beca knows exactly what song she's going to perform. In her head, the DJ is quickly formulating the whole performance. "CR, have I got the perfect piece for you…"

She can still hear Beca's instructions as she walks towards the executives. Chloe's nervousness disappears as she approaches the executives and in its place she feels a rather cocky confidence. She even lets a little extra swagger in her walk. This is because she knows Beca is working her magic back with the Bellas, and they are going to wow the executives.

Alice whispers loudly in a sneer at Chloe as she passes by, "What are you going to do? Assault our ears with something else?"

Chloe ignores her and walks to within ten feet of the executives table. She squares her shoulders and says in what Amy dubbed her Bellas Mom voice says, "Excuse me! Excuse me, there's one more part to this presentation…"

Bumper and White both look befuddled as they ask, "There is?"

Fat Amy having spied the Bellas quick huddle, figured something was up, and jumps in, "Course there is, Bumper. My Pitches want to end on a high note." She's a bit sad not to be a part of the huddle. Realizing that currently she isn't and can't be part of their group is cold comfort. Still Amy can be of help here, and she desperately wants to be.

Chloe smiles at her Australian friend, "Now I don't know if you're aware," Chloe starts, focusing on the executives seated at the head table, "but the Barden Bellas were not just the World Champions of A Cappella, but we were the first American team to ever win the competition." Chloe gives the executives a moment to consider that, then presses forward, "The first, and we took on some serious competition," she glances to DSM, "and WE won." She stares Kommissar in the eyes as she says this. The tall blonde arches an eyebrow at the challenge. Chloe refocuses on the executives "It's only fitting for you to see what we can do as a finale to this presentation."

Masterson speaks up, "I think we've seen all we need to judge…"

"Oh you ain't seen nothing yet," declares Chloe confidently.

Ms Ramirez likes the confidence she's seeing from the redhead, and is intrigued, "I think we can spare a few minutes,"

Hoffman agrees, "Yeah, what's it going to hurt?"

John Mayer also loves the idea, "We've seen some amazing performances this afternoon, let's take a chance and see if we can get one more. This lovely lady seems awfully confident…"

"Oh, I'm all confident about all this," Chloe declares, sending a wink towards Mayer. "We're the simply the best."

Masterson levels his gaze at Chloe, taking in this young woman standing there with the temerity to make such bold statements. "Okay my dear, let's see what you and your team can do."

"Oh they're not my team," Chloe says confidently, and then points at Emily, jerking her hand back so her thumb is pointing over her shoulder at the Bellas. "They're my family."

Emily gets the message and looks to Benji, who smiles warmly. She squeaks and hugs him, then excuses herself from her group, and briskly makes her way to the Bellas, who accept her with quick hugs and smiles.

Chloe's heart warms as she hears Emily's giggles, and enthusiasm of her friends. She looks at the executives and declares, "Now you'll see what my family can do." With that, she does a smooth about face, and confidently makes her way back to the Bellas

"Not bad Red," smirks Beca as the redhead approaches. "So your little speech gave me an idea for a part of the performance…"

Chloe's eyes light up as Beca whispers her part. She knows that song, she won a Karaoke contest with it three years ago. "That's great Beca, can I add something?"

Beca raises an eyebrow, "Sure…" and Chloe gives the DJ a song recommendation. Beca's eyes light up. "I should have thought of that. Scratch what I said, Emily will cover your part, I know she knows it, you sing your idea, it's perfect."

Chloe smile grows at Beca's praise, and she can already see the gears in Beca's head turning, as she processes the information. The two quickly return to the Bellas huddle, she asks Aubrey and Stacie if they have their part, then Cynthia Rose, and then all the Bellas in general. All answer in the positive, though they all look a little apprehensive; they are about to do this cold with no practice.

Beca looks at all the Bellas and whispers, "Okay, just remember, you know your songs, I trust you to sing the lyrics you decide. Treat it like a riff-off, just watch for my ques, and then when I signal you to sing."

Beca then takes a long pause to catch her breath. She looks at all of them, stopping when her eyes land on Chloe. Her eyes are a bit shiney, as she holds back tears. With a sigh she says, "I'm truly sorry," she then looks at the rest, "to all of you. Chloe's right, you're not just friends, you're sisters. I'm really, really sorry if I've hurt any of you, I never wanted too. Thank you for letting me try and make this right." She flashes a smile, and says a little more confidently, "Now, let's show everyone here what sisters can do when we put our minds to it."

The Bellas are all smiles, faces alight with positivity. Aubrey puts her hand in the middle and all the Bellas follow. "On three. One…"

Stacie leans in and gives Aubrey a quick kiss. "For luck," she whispers, and then finishes the count for the very shocked blonde, "two, three!" Despite their smiles and some shock the Bellas all hit their notes, save for Aubrey, who is still registering what just happened.

With a nudge from Chloe Aubrey moves to position, along with all the other Bellas. "Just like we did in Chicago three years ago." says Chloe. Reminding the women which routine they were using. Space had been limited for that demonstration, so the routine was kept simpler. It also allowed CR to guide Maria, and Denise to guide Emily, who of course hadn't been a part of that performance.

Once all the women are in place, Beca steps up to a position between the executives and the Bellas, with her back to the executives. She looks over to Chloe, who casts a wink at her, which makes her heart feel warm. With that extra surge of confidence, Beca begins her count, "One, Two, Three, Four." She counts out with a snap of her fingers and then points to Lily who starts to beatbox a rhythm. As the rhythm is laid down, the rest of the Bellas hum along, and begin moving about the space in front of the executives. Once that's going Beca signals Jessica who comes to stand in front of the executives and begins singing.

Some legends are told

Some turn to dust or to gold

But you will remember me

Remember me, for centuries

Just one mistake

Is all it will take

We'll go down in history

Remember me for centuries

At Beca's signal the Bellas join in on the chorus.

Hey, hey, hey

Remember me for centuries

You will remember me, for centuries

Beca points to Ashley who steps up next to her best friend and harmonizes perfectly.

(We could be immor immortals, immor immortals - Immor immortals, immor immortals)

Jessica can't hide her smile as she continues to sing with her best friend.

You will remember me,

remember me, for centuries

For Chloe, watching Beca is like watching a conductor guide an orchestra. She watches the tiny DJ give a signal to Denise and Emily who are providing back up sound.

(Du-du-du-du-du-du-du)

(We could be immor immortals, immor immortals - Immor immortals, immor immortals)

You will remember me

Remember me for centuries

(Immortals, we could be immortals)

You will remember me,

Remember me, for centuries

At Beca's direction Cynthia Rose steps to the middle of the room and begins rapping.

Look

If you had

One shot

Or one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted

In one moment

Would you capture it

Or just let it slip?

Beca then points to Ashley, Denise, and Emily, who add their voices in again with,

(We could be immor immortals, immor immortals - Immor immortals, immor immortals)

Cynthia Rose steps to the front again, lifting her microphone with a huge smile.

She's nervous, but on the surface she looks calm and ready

To drop bombs, but she keeps on forgettin'

What she wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud

She opens her mouth, but the words won't come out

She's chokin', how, everybody's jokin' now

The clocks run out, times up, over, blaow!

Snap back to reality, oh there goes gravity

Oh, there goes Rabbit, she choked

She's so mad, but she won't give up that easy? No

She won't have it, she knows her whole back city's ropes

It don't matter, she's dope, she knows that, but she's broke

She's so stacked that she knows, when she goes back to her mobile home, that's when its

Back to the lab again yo, this whole rhapsody

She better go capture this moment and hope it don't pass her

(Remember me for centuries - You will remember me, for centuries)

Chloe feels the familiar shiver run up her spine as Beca now points to Emily, and their youngest friend belts out.

You're simply the best, better than all the rest

Better than anyone, anyone I ever met

I'm stuck on your heart, I hang on every word you say

All the Bellas are having a blast as they move and sing, Cynthia Rose high fives Emily as they skip past each other.

(We could be immor immortals, immor immortals - Immor immortals, immor immortals)

Stacie and Aubrey now step to the front as Beca points to them.

Yeah, We could be the greatest

We can be the best

We can be the King Kong banging on your chest

We could beat the world

We could beat the war

We could talk to God, go banging on his door

We can throw your hands up

We can beat the clock

We can move a mountain

can break rocks

We can be a master

Don't wait for luck

Dedicate ourselves and we gon' find ourselves.

(You're simply the best, better than all the rest!)

(Remember me for centuries - You will remember me, for centuries)

Beca points to Maria and Cynthia Rose

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime you better

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

(Remember me for centuries - You will remember me, for centuries)

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime you better

(We could be immor immortals, immor immortals

Immor immortals, immor immortals)

Chloe feels the familiar shiver run up her spine as Beca lets a sly smile play across her lips, and signals Chloe.

You ready?! Let's go!
Yeah, for those of you that wanna know what we're all about
It's like this y'all (c'mon)
This is ten percent luck
Twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure
Fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name

Aubrey and Stacie step to either side of Chloe, huge smiles as they sing into their microphones.

When we're standing in the hall of fame (yeah)
And the world's gonna know our name (yeah)
'Cause we burn with the brightest flame (yeah)
And the world's gonna know our name (yeah)
And we'll be on the walls of the hall of fame

(We will be immor immortals, immor immortals - Immor immortals, immor immortals)

(You better lose yourself in the music, the moment)

(You're simply the best, better than all the rest!)

(Remember me for centuries - You will remember me, for centuries)

Chloe's heart is racing as the performance reaches its crescendo. She sees Beca's signal and begins again with a slightly altered version of Fort Minor's 'Remember the Name'.

She doesn't need her name up in lights
She just wants to be heard whether it's the beat or the mic
She feels so unlike everybody else, alone
In spite of the fact that some people still think that they know her

Beca doesn't know this but Chloe's singing this song about Beca. The redhead had altered the lyrics in her head to fit Beca, after she heard Beca playing it.

It's about reality and making some noise

Who the hell is she anyway, she never really talks much
Never concerned with status but still leavin' them star struck
Humbled through opportunities given despite the fact
That many misjudge her because she makes a livin' from creating sounds

Beca gives Chloe a look, eyebrow arching, as she takes in the changes to the lyrics Chloe is laying down. Chloe casts a wink and just continues to sing. It thrills her that she's singing this directly to Beca, and the tiny DJ doesn't even realize it.

Put it together herself, now the picture connects
Never asking for someone's help, or to get some respect
She's only focused on what she wrote; her will is beyond reach
And now it all unfolds, the skill of an artist

(You better lose yourself in the music, the moment)

(Remember me for centuries - You will remember me, for centuries)

All the Bellas now come to stand in a line, each doing their part. One would think this would be a cacophony of chaos, but the Bellas are so in tune with each other over the years that it comes out as an amazing mix of music.

(You better lose yourself in the music, the moment)

(This is ten percent luck Twenty percent skill)

(Fifteen percent concentrated power of will)

(You own it, you better never let it go)

(Five percent pleasure Fifty percent pain)

(You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow)

(We're simply the best, better than all the rest!)

(And a hundred percent reason to remember the name)

(We will be immor immortals, immor immortals

Immor immortals, immor immortals)

(This opportunity comes once in a lifetime you better)

(When we're standing in the hall of fame (yeah)
And the world's gonna know our name)

(Remember me for centuries

You will remember me, for centuries)

'Cause we burn with the brightest flame (yeah)
And the world's gonna know our name (yeah)
And we'll be on the walls of the hall of fame

YEAH!

The Bellas end with a shout. There's a heartbeat and then the noise is deafening as the room erupts in applause.

Beca is swarmed by the Bellas, receiving hugs from Stacie and Chloe. The petite brunette hasn't found herself this excited since the Bellas victory at Worlds. It felt like that first time leading the Bellas in the swimming pool her freshman year. Beca lives for these spontaneous musical moments. She feels this moment in her heart. There's something about the voices of her friends, her sisters, weaving together in harmony that reminds her of all the piece that she ever done for the Bellas. Yet this is so much better because of the complexity and difficulty, and her girls pulled it off flawlessly.

Next to her Chloe is beside herself, the redhead keeping her arm around her shorter friend. It's hard for the redhead to come up with a creative adjective for what she's feeling. Their performance was amazing. Over the years Chloe had done some really interesting and creative things with music, thanks mostly to Beca, but nothing as amazing as this.

At the executives table, there was a long stunned moment, as the Bellas performance came to an end. It takes a moment for Masterson to remember to close his mouth, his jaw having dropped at what was just displayed. The sound of the other participants roaring their approval jolts the executive from his stupor. He couldn't even vocalize his astonishment at the performance the women had just pulled off. He'd seen musicians and singers perform, but to pull such a layered performance pretty much on the spot? No he had never seen anything like that. Still he tries to play it off. "It's alright," he says in an undertone, "I suppose." While he might try to deny it, Masterson was kind of impressed. They might actually have a show here; maybe even a success.

"You suppose?" John Mayer yells, then lets loose, "That was fucking better than alright. That was AWESOME!"

"What a show!" Sir Willup declares as he is exchanging high fives with Amy, who is yelling, "Those are my Pitches!"

Even Bumper is whooping it up, and beams with pride as John Mayer comes down and shakes his hand, and claps him on the back.

Hoffman and Xavier are all smiles discussing the potential this show proposal has, while Ms Ramirez sits back, seemingly like she's figuring out just how to market this. Her smile says it all. Masterson looks out at the Bellas who are being overrun by all the other participants. He shakes his head, this presentation like no other he's ever been a part of. The congratulations, the slaps on the back, and hugs, it's like the Bellas won the contest already. They haven't won anything if Masterson so chooses, but even he has to concede this has hit potential, and he might not keep his current position if he were to let CBS, Fox, or ABC get their hands on it.

"I see the wheels in your head going round Masterson. You know as well as I that we are giving the greenlight," says Ramirez.

"Yes, your right." He signals Mr White, "Travis, you know what to do. Set up a meeting with us," he indicates the executives at the table, "Mr Allen, Ms Wilson, and Mr Brightslymoore. Make it sooner rather than later." He stands up and looks at the spectacle in front of him, all the performers now mingling like they were at some social. He shakes his head as he turns to leave, "As shocking as it sounds, they actually sold their idea. Will wonders never cease."

{-X-X-*-X-X-}

Chloe and Beca had become separated in all the congratulatory best wishes of the people around them, Chloe had been pulled into a hug by Aubrey, while Beca was being squeezed between Ashley, Jessica, and Denise. Beca's now talking to Cynthia Rose and Maria reliving the moment CR had saved the Bellas during the Motown challenge, when the petite brunette feels a pair of strong warm arms go around her. She looks over her shoulder as Jesse pulls her in close, and smiles. She turns in his arms to see her boyfriend staring back at her, with a huge goofy grin on his face. "That was amazing Beca. We're going to crush this competition with you on our side."

The corners of Beca's smile drops just the slightest as she's reminded that she's not going to be competing with the Bellas. She had actually forgotten during their impromptu closing performance. Jesse doesn't seem to notice though, his exuberance clouding his perception of Beca's demeanor. Looking over his shoulder he notes, "Oh, hey Bumper is signaling. Looks like he wants us to meet John Mayer."

He starts to pull her in that direction, but Beca resists, she pulls out of Jesse's arms, "Uhh, I need to ask Stacie something, you go, and I'll catch up."

"You sure? I could wait." He offers with his goofy grin.

"No," she shakes her head, "you go ahead. Who knows how long John Mayer can stay. I'll catch up."

He nods and heads off. Beca lets her breath out in a sigh.

From the corner of her eye, Beca notices Kommissar approaching. she turns to face the intimidating blonde with arms crossed. Kommissar smiles predatorily, "Congratulations, my feisty kleine maus." The German Amazon speaks in a sultry purr. "You were, what is the word? Wonderful, amazing even…"

"If you say so." Beca raises a single eyebrow and tries to sound nonchalant. She can't help herself though and continues, "You would know amazing…" Beca scrunches her eyes closed hoping beyond hope that the German somehow missed the last.

Kommissar's throaty laugh shatters that hope. "My feisty kleine maus I do look forward to seeing you more, now that it looks we will be competing against you. Maybe we can even find time to get together for other, how you say more physical competitions." The tall blonde gives Beca a knowing wink.

Beca attempts to swallow the lump in her throat. "You are quite physically flawless," Beca is really ready to let the ground swallow her now.

Chloe is suddenly at Beca's side. "Yeah, that's not happening…" The redhead declares as she puts her arm around Beca.

The German woman's laugh is haughty, and full of mockery. She turns and calls over her shoulder, "We shall see," as she walks back to DSM.

Beca is really hoping that Chloe didn't hear her latest faceplant in front of the statuesque German blonde. Again hope proves fleeting as Chloe says, "You just had to say she's physically flawless again."

{-X-X-*-X-X-}

A/N: Thanks for reading another chapter. When I first thought of this story, this was one of the first scenes I pictured in my head, but man was it tough to write. Trying to convey the spectacle and music that I was picturing in my head was much more difficult than I imagined. I really hope you liked it.

So you know, the name 'Sir Willups Brightslymoore' is the name in IMDB for Pitch Perfect 2 for David Cross's character the 'World's Biggest A Cappella Fan'. I liked the name so I put it in. Also, I could not find a last name for Fat Amy, so went with Rebel Wilson's last name.

Songs used in this chapter:

You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes

I Can't Get Next to You by The Temptations

Fame by Irene Cara

Ice Cube - Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It

Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg - Young, Wild & Free

Queen Latifah - Ladies First

Will Smith - Getting Jiggy With It

Ice-T - O.G. Original Gangster

Will. - Scream and Shout

Twenty One Pilots - Mr Blurryface

Mix - Irene Cara - Fame & The Pussycat Dolls - When I Grow Up

Adam Lambert - Sure Fire Winners

Mix - Queen - We Will Rock You & Queen - We Are The Champions

Mix - Foreigner - Jukebox Hero & Bad Company - Rock and Roll Fantasy & Aerosmith - Dream On & Jay Z - Run This Town

Mix - Fall Out Boy - Centuries, Immortal & Eminem - Lose Yourself & Script - Hall of Fame & Tina Turner - Simply the Best & Fort Minor - Remember the Name

I don't own any of these songs, or anything in this story. Will really try to post quicker the next chapter.