PREVIOUSLY: Finn, Santana, Blaine, Rachel, and Mercedes were involved in an interview to promote New Direction's entry into the World Championship of Show Choir Competition. Their interviewer who was told not to ask any questions that regarded a situation 10 years ago that no one outside of the New Directions knew about, but she had her own agenda and tried to bait Rachel, and Mercedes but none of them fell for her antics.
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And now the continuation:
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CHAPTER 42 - MEETING THE COMPETITION AND ORDER
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Finn, Santana, Blaine, Rachel, Mercedes, Michael and Will rejoined the rest of the team in the lounge.
"You guys were good," said Kurt
"Yea that interviewer was a total bitch," said Quinn "Rachel, and Mercedes, you two did really well to stop her in her tracks at times."
"Yes they did very well," smiled Finn hugging Rachel
Their liaison person, Jacky, walked back into the room.
"Guys it's time for the groups to meet, and also to give a performance, follow me please."
"Oh this will be fun," smiled Brittany
The New Directions, Michael, Will and Emma followed Jacky out of the lounge, and down the corridor, they soon came to another escalator, and went up it to the next floor.
They then came to a larger studio where there was a stage that was down the front, with cameras surrounding it.
To the right of the New Directions entering the room, in an area marked 'The Wall Flowers' were the group itself.
Opposite the Wall Flowers and to the right of the New Directions, in an area marked 'The Jumping Jacks' were the group itself.
Up a bit further, adjacent to the Wall Flowers in a area marked 'Warblers 2.0.' were the group itself. Blaine looked to see who he could see that he knew, and instantly saw 3 of his former team mates. Wes, David, and Trenton.
Opposite them was an area marked for the New Directions. Jacky led the group to that area.
"The next stage will get started shortly," said Jacky "Please wait here."
Jacky walked off up towards the stage, where she started talking to a couple of people.
Blaine made eye contact with Wes, who signaled for Blaine to meet in the middle of the room between the two groups. Blaine started to walk to where Wes had signaled.
"Mr Anderson, where are you going?" asked Michael
"To get some information," replied Blaine
"Let him go," said Will
"I don't think the station wants the group fraternizing with each other," said Michael
"It's just friends catching up with friends," said Emma "There's no harm in that."
Blaine got to the middle of the area. He shook hands with Wes.
"Hey Blaine, how have you been, man?"
"Not too bad, what about you?"
"I can't complain," said Wes "But things would be better if we had more of our older team mates back."
"I would have come back had I know that the Warblers were getting a team together, but the New Directions got to me first."
"That's understandable," replied Wes "But I was talking more about the others."
"Did they disappear?" asked Blaine
"Most didn't feel like competing again, while a couple have joined Vocal Adrenaline, and a few others went overseas."
"Who went overseas?"
"Mostly that Sebastian and Hunter guys. The so called former leaders. Good riddance I'd say."
"What do you mean by overseas? I thought Hunter was banned for using steroids?"
"He did his time, apparently," said Wes"What I heard through a small grapevine, is that Hunter and Sebastian, were offered places in a team in a Western European team, that's all I heard."
"I appreciate that," replied Blaine "Good luck with Sectionals Wes."
Wes smiled back, but leaned in close "If we had you in our team we would had have a great chance of beating New Directions but alas we do not. All you guys have to do is turn up in my opinion, and you will easily win. You guys are just too strong."
"Just do your best," whispered Blaine back
They shook hands again, and Blaine returned to his team.
"Is everything okay, Mr Anderson?" asked Michael as Blaine walked past "You look very thoughtful."
"I'll tell you later," replied Blaine "Now's not the best place to talk."
"Can we please have everyone's attention," came a voice from the stage "We're about to start the next stage of today's proceedings. Can I have all 4 Team Captains to the stage please."
Rachel looked up at Finn "You can go."
Finn smiled back "Sure."
Finn gave Rachel a quick kiss before heading to the stage. He was followed by Wes, who was the Captain for the Warblers 2.0, Marcy, who was the Captain for the Wall Flowers, and Jaryd who was Captain for the Jumping Jacks.
All 4 got to the side of the stage and were told to wait.
"Please make welcome your host for this event, Mr Nigel Hanham."
Everyone clapped halfheartedly as Nigel Hanham, the Ohio Broadcasting Corporation Chief Report, walked out onto the stage, and waited for the floor manager to count him in. All of the cameras focused on him.
"Good afternoon, and welcome back to this special broadcast of the start of the lucrative 1st Annual World Championships of Show Choirs Competition. I'm your host for today's final part, Nighel Hanham. As we know today, marks the start of the 2 Month countdown until the beginning of the competition with stage 1 - Sectionals.
"You've been introduced to all the teams, through their interviews, and before we get to the love draw of which position that they will be performing at Sectionals, we are going to get treated to each team performing a song each.
"For that to happen we need to see the order that they would be singing in. So please make welcome to the stage, the captains of, Warblers 2.0, The Wall Flowers, The New Directions and the Jumping Jacks."
Finn, Wes, Marcy, and Jaryd all walked out onto the stage. An assistant walked out as well holding what looked like a glass bowl with 4 plastic balls in it. Their numbers had been covered up.
"So who would like to choose first?" asked Nigel
Everyone looked at everyone else, before Finn decided to just do it, and he stepped towards Nigel.
"Wonderful, here's our first Captain. And who are you Captain of?"
"The New Directions," replied Finn
"Ah yes, the 6 time National Secondary School Show Choir Champions," said Nigel
"That's us," smiled Finn
"Grab a plastic ball from out of the bowl, and that will be your position for today."
Finn put his hand in the bowl, and grabbed a plastic ball, and took it out, and handed it to Nigel. Nigel took the wrapping off of it, and held it up to the camera.
"Position Number 2... So the New Directions will be going second."
"Cool," smiled Finn and he looked at his team, Will was giving him a thumbs up.
"Who's next?" asked Nigel
Finn stepped back, and watched Wes, Marcy, and Jaryd look at one another. Wes moved forward.
"Wonderful, and here's our 2nd Captain, and who are you the Captain of?"
"The Warblers 2.0,"
"Ah okay," smiled Nigel "An off shoot of the original Warblers who were 4 Time National Second School Show Choir Champions, plus a record 12 time Regional Show Choir Champions."
"That's us," replied Wes "An off shoot."
"Okay, so grab a plastic ball from out of the bowl, and that will be your position for today."
Wes put his hand in the bowl, and grabbed one of the three remaining plastic balls, and took it out, and handed it to Nigel. Nigel took the wrapping off of it, and held it up to the camera.
"Position Number 3... So the Warblers 2.0 will perform 3rd. Just after the New Directions."
"I'm happy with that," smiled Wes
"Who's next?" asked Nigel
Wes stood back next to Finn, and they shook hands. Jaryd and Marcy looked at one another before Jaryd quickly walked over to Nigel.
"So who are you the Captain of?"
"The Jumping Jacks,"
"You're a totally new group is that correct?"
"Yes."
"So you guys will either be going first or last, and the Wall Flowers will either be first or last depending on what you choose. So go on and grab a plastic ball from the bowl and that will be your position for today."
Jaryd put his hand in the bowl, and grabbed one of the two remaining plastic balls, and then took it out, and gave it to Nigel. Nigel took the wrapping off of the ball, and held it to the camera.
"Position number 1... So that means the Jumping Jacks are going first, and the Wall Flowers are going last. So we'll be back after these messages with the Jumping Jacks, the New Directions, The Warblers 2.0, and the Wall Flowers all performing in that order. Back soon."
"We are clear," said the floor manager
"Okay guys," started Jacky, the liaison person for the station, walking up, and acting on behalf of the other team liaisons. "Can the Jumping Jacks, please set up on stage. Can all the other groups be ready to go please."
Finn made his way back to the New Directions where he gave Rachel a hug.
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A few minutes later Nigel walked back onto the stage, and got the count in from his floor manager. Behind Nigel were the Jumping Jacks.
"Welcome back," started Nigel "The first group to perform today is... The Jumping Jacks, take it away guys."
Nigel walked to the side of the stage.
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JARYD: "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane
And I howled at my ma in the driving rain."
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JUMPING JACKS: "But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right. I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas."
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JARYD: "I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag
I was schooled with a strap right across my back."
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JUMPING JACKS: "But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas."
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JARYD: "I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead
I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled
I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I was crowned with a spike right thru my head."
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JUMPING JACKS: "But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas
But it's all right, I'm Jumpin' Jack Flash
It's a gas! Gas! Gas.
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JUMPING JACKS: "Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash, its a gas
Jumping Jack Flash."
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Nigel walked back on just as the group was leaving the stage.
"Wow that was... something. Next up are the New Directions, we'll be back soon."
The Jumping Jacks left the stage.
"Good luck," said Rachel to Finn
Finn smiled down at Rachel "We don't need luck, we'll be fine."
"Have fun," said Will "That's the most important part."
The New Directions minus Rachel went up on the stage, and got themselves ready. Michael, Will, Emma, and Rachel watched on with pride.
Nigel walked back onto the stage and got the count in.
"Welcome back. Before the break we saw the Jumping Jacks perform, and now we are in for a treat. Introducing the 6 time Secondary School National Show Choir Champions, now trying to add a professional title to that, the New Directions."
Nigel walked over to the other side of the stage. There came applause from the room as the reputation of the New Directions alone came into play.
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FINN: "Can."
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NEW DIRECTIONS: "Anybody find me somebody to love?"
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SANTANA: "Each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet."
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FINN: "Take a look in the mirror and cry
Lord what you're doing to me."
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SANTANA: "I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord!."
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NEW DIRECTIONS: "Somebody, somebody
Can anybody find me."
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MERCEDES: "Somebody to love?"
.FINN: "Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat."
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SANTANA: "I'm ok, I'm alright
Ain't gonna face no defeat."
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FINN AND SANTANA: "I just gotta get out of this prison cell
Someday I'm gonna be free, Lord!"
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NEW DIRECTIONS: "Find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?"
.NEW DIRECTIONS: "Find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me somebody to love?"
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NEW DIRECTIONS: "Find me somebody to love..."
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MERCEDES: "Can anybody find me... somebody to... LOVE?"
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Once finished Nigel walked back onto the stage, just as the New Directions were leaving.
"Wow that was worth waiting for, and it certainly shows that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with. Next up are on of their greatest rivals. We'll be back soon to see the Warblers 2.0."
The New Directions made it back to Will, Emma, Michael, and Rachel, who were all smiling quite noticeably.
Rachel hugged Mercedes "You still got the voice for pulling it out when you to, girl."
"Thanks Rach," smiled Mercedes "I wasn't sure if it would come out like that but it did."
"Well done Mercedes," said Will "Telling you to hold back during rehearsals really worked."
"Yea thanks Mr Schue."
"Great work guys," smiled Michael "I'm really proud of all of you."
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The Warblers 2.0 were next up to the stage, and got ready. Nigel walked back onto the stage, and received the count in.
"Welcome back, well before the break we saw a great performance from the New Directions, they certainly lived up to the hype of being a contender to win Sectionals. Now we will see the Warblers 2.0."
Nigel walked off the stage, as the New Directions applauded their rivals.
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WES: "You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs.
But I look around me and I see it isn't so.
Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs.
And what's wrong with that?
I'd like to know, 'cause here I go again."
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WARBLERS 2.0 "I love you
I love you."
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DAVID: "Love doesn't come in a minute,
Sometimes it doesn't come at all
I only know that when I'm in it
It isn't silly, no, it isn't silly, love isn't silly at all."
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WARBLERS 2.0 "I love you
I can't explain the feeling's plain to me, so can't you see? (I love you)
Ah, she gave me more, she gave it all to me, now can't you see (I love you)
I can't explain the feeling's plain to me, so can't you see? (I love you)."
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WES: "You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs.
But I look around me and I see it isn't so, oh, no.
Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs.
And what's wrong with that?
I'd like to know, 'cause here I go again."
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WARBLERS 2.0 "I love you
I love you."
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Nigel walked back onto the stage, after the Warblers 2.0, had finished, and he smiled.
"That was quiet something. They do have a bit of time left to try and push the New Directions. After the break we will see the last group The Wall Flowers perform, and also we will have the live positional draw for Sectionals. Back soon."
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The Wall Flowers were the last to get ready on the stage. Nigel walked back out and got the count in.
"Welcome back. Before the break we saw the Warblers 2.0, perform valiantly. Now it's time for the last group to perform. Please welcome the Wall Flowers."
Nigel walked away.
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MARCY: "When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all (all)
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found."
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THE WALL FLOWERS: "Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down."
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MARCY: "When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you (ooo)
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around."
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THE WALL FLOWERS: "Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down."
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MARCY: "Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind."
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THE WALL FLOWERS: "Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind."
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The song finished and Nigel walked back onto the stage.
"Thank you Wall Flowers, that too was certainly something. Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen, all 4 groups who are competing against one another at Sectionals have performed. They will all be on the stage together after the break to find out the position that they will be performing in, at Sectionals. We will be back soon."
Nigel was counted out, and he walked off the stage. Jacky walked back on.
"Can all 4 groups plus their management come onto the stage for the draw please."
All 4 groups made their way onto the stage. Rachel and Will rejoined the New Directions. While Emma and Michael stayed down off of the stage.
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Nigel returned to the stage and another glass bowl was brought out and placed on a table beside him. There were 4 more plastic balls inside it. This time it had the names of the groups on it. They had once again been covered over.
Nigel received the count in.
"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. We've certainly had a busy afternoon. We've seen all 4 competing teams do interviews, also sing a song each, and now they will find out which order that they will complete in at Sectionals. So lets put them out of their misery. Good luck guys. So Position number 1 will be..."
Nigel placed his hand in the bowl, and grabbed a plastic ball and took it and removed the wrapping. He showed the main camera.
"The Warblers 2.0 will go first," announced Nigel
Everyone looked at The Warblers 2.0, no one ever wanted to go first, but now they had no choice. All they could do was smile.
"Okay in Position number 2 will be..."
Nigel again placed his hand in the bowl and grabbed a plastic ball, he took it out and removed the wrapping.
"The Wall Flowers will be going Second."
Everyone looked at the Wall Flowers. They seemed to be okay with that.
"That just leaves the Jumping Jacks, and New Directions," continued Nigel "So going 3rd and then last will be..."
Nigel placed his hand back in the bowl, and grabbed a plastic ball, he took it out, and took the wrapping off of it, and then showed it to the camera.
"So going third will be The Jumping Jacks, which means the New Directions will be going last..."
Everyone in the New Directions started jumping up and down.
"Well there you have it everyone. The Positions at Sectionals, will be the Warblers 2.0, the Wall Flowers, the Jumping Jacks and the New Directions. I hope you all enjoyed today. Until next time, this is Nigel Hanham signing off..."
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So there we have it. The New Directions now know what position they are competing in at Sectionals. The most coveted last placing spot. They got it this time.
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DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights or the copyrights to: Jumping Jack Flash, Somebody to love, Silly Love Songs, Like a bridge over troubled water.