The Fall The Rise The Worlds of the New Directions Chapter 58, a glee fanfic

PREVIOUSLY: The New Directions found out who their Regionals opponents were going to be, and they also did an interview for Regionals, and performed a song with the 5 other groups. They came away from that knowing that Vocal Adrenaline were very good with 'Unique' staring them in the right direction. Now the New Directions knew that they had a fight on their hands to win Regionals.

And now the continuation:

CHAPTER 58 - REGIONALS - Part 1

The New Directions were in a good mood after finding out that they were going to perform fifth. It was better than going first.

There was no talk about Wade until they got back on the bus.

Santana walked up to Artie

"Okay Abrams, spill. What do you know about Wade Adams?"

Artie looked at Santana. He saw Blaine, Kurt, Brittany, Puck, and Quinn looking. He couldn't lie.

"I know!"

"What? What do you know?"

"Can't this wait until we get back to base?" asked Artie

"No," snapped Santana "Tell us."

"Calm down Lopez," said Kitty who was sitting beside Artie

"You are one to talk, Wilde, you were pretty angry in there as well when we found out about Wade."

"Santana, Kitty, that's enough," came Will's voice "Arguing isn't going to bring back the fact that Wade is with Vocal Adrenaline."

"Not only with them," said Santana turning around to face Will "But also their Captain plus lead singer."

"He assured me he would stay in the back ground," blurted out Artie, without thinking

The whole bus went quiet. Santana turned around to face Artie

"What the hell? YOU, put him in to Vocal Adrenaline? What the hell for?"

Artie looked at Santana, then felt all eyes on him.

"Answer," yelled Santana

"What's going on in here?" asked Michael who had just gotten on the bus

"Artie apparently put Wade in to Vocal Adrenaline," said Mercedes who was sitting up the front of the bus with Sam

"What?" asked Micahel

"Tell him Abrams!" snarled Santana

Michael walked up behind Santana. Santana stepped aside in anger.

"Is this true Mr Abrams?"

Artie nodded

"Why?"

"It was before Rory went under cover in England," said Artie

"That makes it all the more better then," said Santana

"That's enough Miss Lopez, please," said Michael "I got this."

Santana rolled her eyes and sat down in a huff.

"So you basically put Wade undercover as well?" asked Michael

The bus started up, and got moving.

"Yes," replied Artie

"Why?"

"To keep an eye on Vocal Adrenaline. He wasn't supposed to stay on, or be their lead singer, or leader."

"Were you suppose to pull him out?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you?"

"After the whole incident with Rory, I had to hold off from contacting Wade. I never received any information from him."

"That should be lucky for you that you didn't," replied Michael "Did you ever contact Mr Adams?"

"Lucky I said I couldn't. I stuck with our promise."

"Then he must have felt betrayed," said Kurt "You left him behind, without trying to get in touch. So the best way to get back at you, was to join the team fully and I suppose when offered to become it's leader, he couldn't turn them down."

"I didn't mean to leave him behind," said Artie "That's harsh. My hands were tied."

"Why didn't you tell us about Mr Adams situation when you had the chance?" asked Michael "When we were discussing Mr O'Carroll?"

"Because I was already in trouble enough," said Artie "I though he would quietly leave so this is on me."

"Of course this is on you," said Santana "You created it."

"Enough," said Finn standing up "Just enough. If Artie felt like he needed to see what Vocal Adrenaline was up to, then it was on him. The fact that he felt responsible for what happened to Rory, said it all really. That then, ended up with Wade sticking to Vocal Adrenaline. It is what it is.

"So we've faced Wade before, and we've beaten them, and we can do it again. There's no use arguing armongst each other. What's done is done. Let's just focus on beating Vocal Adrenaline, then beating one another."

There was silence in the bus, as Finn sat down. He was right. They need to focus on Regionals, and on themselves rather just the 1 team and the 1 person.

"Mr Hudson is right," said Michael "What's done is now done, whatever reason Mr Abrams had for putting Mr Adam's with his old team is Mr Abrams, whatever reason he had from keeping it from us, is his also. We need to focus on our own job, and that job is to win Regionals. No more talking what Mr Abrams did. Take it up with him after Regionals."

Michael sat back down.

For the next 10 minutes, the bus headed back to the Training Center in complete silence. Rachel was hugging Finn, for his comments about focusing on Regionals, than blaming Artie. She knew she had a tough decision to make, and she made it right there and then. She stood up in the aisle."

"Hey guys," started Rachel

Everyone looked at Rachel

"Finn was right, we have a job to do with winning Regionals. And the only way that we are going to do that is by me withdrawing."

"Hell to the no," shouted Mercedes "We still need your vocals,"

"No, no you don't," said Rachel "You need a perfect 3 song set list. You won't miss me in the 2nd song. I will just slow everyone down. We need all the points that we can get from the judges, I'll just be in the way and will cost vital points."

"Rachel's right," said Finn "As much as I'd hate to have her not there, it's the best thing for the team."

"I hate to say it," said Kurt "I agree with both Finn and Rachel."

"We won't have her for Nationals either," said Brittany

"Which is why, you need to get use to not having me for now," said Rachel "But I will make it up to you guys when we get through to Hemisphere's, I promiise."

Everyone was murmuring away.

"Hey guys, it is for the best," said Finn

"I'm sorry," continued Rachel "That's the only way I see us winning on points. I'm not performing. I made up my mind."

Rachel sat back down.

Will stood up/ "Rachel has done the right decision on her behalf and ours. I thank her for making a rather difficult decision. We've got time to fix up the 2nd song as we did the 3rd. Losing Rachel won't weaken us, it will only strengthen us, because everyone knows you will all need to step up, and step up you will. I have no doubt of that."

The team returned to their Training Center in much better spirits than when they left the studios.

For the rest of the 2nd to last week before Regionals, they focused on the 2nd Song for ways of replacing Rachel's vocals. They needed at least two days to get the new vocals right.'

On the weekend, a week out from Regionals, to avoid what happened at Sectionals, Mercedes was sent back to her Health Retreat to relax until the Sunday night. Michael and Will decided to let the rest of the team have the whole weekend off heading into the last week.

Mercedes returned on the Sunday showed she had recovered and was full of energy, and the rest of the team felt re-energized.

Monday to the Friday, the New Directions practiced and practiced until they were exhausted, each day. They showed 100 percent commitment and focus.

Come Friday night, Michael and Will gave the team the rest of the night off.

SATURDAY

Just before they were due to leave for the Arena that afternoon, Will got the team together which included Rachel, Emma, Burt, Carole, Rory and of course Michael.

"Okay," started Will "Today is the day we take another giant stride to the Worlds. We are being written off which is of course what makes even more dangerous. This is the time we show the World not to count us out any more. We were strong for Sectionals, we are going to be even stronger for Regionals.

"Mercedes, this is the night that you make a come back. I know you weren't wanting to make a public come back but like Rachel, you both were always destined to make a come back. Rachel did hers, now it's your time.

"As for the rest of you, this is the time to show everyone that you got what it takes to help being a major singer in a group. You've done it before, and you can all do it again. We have faith in every single one of you guys, just show us that you have in yourselves.

"And one last thing. Two Monday's ago, I was very proud of the way you guys supported the rest of the groups including Vocal Adrenaline, who were their usual snobbish selves except for Wade. I want you guys to keep up the good sportsmanship. In the face of adversity that is what you need.

"Okay let's all bring it in for a Show Choir circle."

Will put his hand in the middle of the room, everyone came together and crowded around him, and placed their hands over his.

"3... 2... 1," said Will

"Amazing," shouted everyone.

"Okay, have a 2 hour break, and then we will head to the venue.

REGIONALS

The New Directions group finally made it to the stadium where the Regionals were being held, for the 2nd stage of the World Show Choir Competition. Most of them had gone into the Auditorium, to get seated. Artie had wheeled himself over to a water machine, and was filling his bottle, when Wade walked up, and sat down next to Artie. He was dressed as 'Unique', which meant he was serious tonight.

'Unique' looked ahead "Were you ever going to contact me, and apologize for leaving me behind?"

Artie looked at 'Unique' "I got in trouble for sending Rory in to trouble in England. I was basically being monitored if I went online. You and I both know the New Directions don't leave anyone behind."

"Yet you left me behind," replied 'Unique'

"And I am really sorry, you don't know how sorry I am."

"I bet you do, and I bet you know, and I know you really are dreading tonight."

"You have no idea how much I am dreading tonight. Once again I am so sorry. Enjoy tonight. Enjoy performing."

Artie went to wheel himself away when 'Unique' pulled him back.

"Tell me what you want me to do?"

Artie looked at 'Unique' shocked "You do what you have to do, I can't tell you what to do, I'm in too much trouble as it is."

"My beef is with you but not with the rest of the New Directions. I can't punish them as a whole. I need direction myself. I need for you to tell me my direction."

Artie looked at 'Unique' "I'll say it again, you do what you need to do."

"Is everything okay over here?" came Michael's voice

Michael walked up, 'Unique' took her hands off of the back of Artie's chair

"Everything is fine," said Artie "I was just going to catch up to the others,"

"Sorry," said 'Unique' "I held him back, I was catching up on some old news,"

"Mr Baxter meet 'Unique', 'Unique' this is Mr Baxter, our benefactor."

"Hi," said 'Unique' semi smiling.

"So you're the famous 'Unique," smiled Michael "All of the New Directions speak really fondly of you. I'm just sorry I never got a hold of you at the start of the competition. Things would have been much more different."

"Yeah, well, that's a shame," replied 'Unique' looking at Artie "It is what it is. Unique had to what Unique had to do. If you excuse me I need to go to my team."

"Good luck 'Unique', said Michael "Have a good performance,"

"Thanks," smiled 'Unique' and walked off.

Michael watched her go, and looked back at Artie.

"IS Everything okay?"

Artie looked at Michael, and then thought about his response. Michael sat down where 'Unique' had sat.

"Tell me, Mr Abrams?"

"'Unique' wanted to know what to do in regards to the competition. Her beef was with me only, and didn't want to punish the rest of the New Directions. I told her I couldn't tell her what to do, and that she had to what she had to do."

Michael shook his head "You really get yourself into awkward situations don't you Mr Abrams?"

"Can I join the others please?" pleased Artie

"Sure," said Michael

Artie wheeled himself away, and Michael watched him go, before getting up, and following after Artie.

Regionals started with Nigel Hanham walking out on stage.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Nigel Hanham, and I am your M.C. for tonight. Tonight is the 2nd stage of 5 of the World Championships of Show Choir Competition, Regionals. We have 6 teams competing for only one place to represent the state of Ohio, at Nationals. We have 10 judges who are sitting up in the top tier spread across the 1st Row. They their own points system that the judge off of.

"So let's get this started. Please welcome the first group of the night. The Villagers."

Nigel left the stage.

1: THE VILLAGERS

SONG #1

THE VILLAGERS: "Don't you think that it's boring how people talk
Making smart with their words again, well I'm bored
Because I'm doing this for the thrill of it, killin' it
Never not chasing a million things I want
And I am only as young as the minute is full of it
Getting pumped up from the little bright things I bought
But I know they'll never own me (yeah)

"Baby be the class clown
I'll be the beauty queen in tears
It's a new art form showing people how little we care (yeah)
We're so happy, even when we're smilin' out of fear
Let's go down to the tennis court, and talk it up like yeah (yeah)

"Pretty soon I'll be getting on my first plane
I'll see the veins of my city like they do in space
But my head's filling fast with the wicked games, up in flames
How can I fuck with the fun again, when I'm known
And my boys trip me up with their heads again, loving them
Everything's cool when we're all in line, for the throne
But I know it's not forever (yeah)

"It looked alright in the pictures (yeah)

"Getting caught soft with the triple is it
I fall apart, with all my heart
And you can watch from your window
And you can watch from your window

"And talk it up like yeah (yeah)
And talk it up like yeah (yeah)
Let's go down to the tennis court, and talk it up like yeah (yeah)
And talk it up like yeah (yeah)
And talk it up like yeah (yeah)
Let's go down to the tennis court, and talk it up like yeah (yeah)."

SONG #2

THE VILLAGERS: "Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television
North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

"Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom
Brando, "The King and I" and "The Catcher in the Rye"

"Eisenhower, vaccine, England's got a new queen
Marciano, Liberace, Santayana goodbye

"We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

"Joseph Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser and Prokofiev
Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc

"Roy Cohn, Juan Peron, Toscanini, Dacron
Dien Bien Phu falls, "Rock Around the Clock"

"Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn's got a winning team
Davy Crockett, Peter Pan, Elvis Presley, Disneyland

"Bardot, Budapest, Alabama, Krushchev
Princess Grace, "Peyton Place", trouble in the Suez

"We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

"Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Kerouac
Sputnik, Chou En-Lai, "Bridge on the River Kwai"

"Lebanon, Charlse de Gaulle, California baseball
Starkweather, homicide, children of thalidomide

"Buddy Holly, "Ben Hur", space monkey, Mafia
Hula hoops, Castro, Edsel is a no-go

"U2, Syngman Rhee, payola and Kennedy
Chubby Checker, "Psycho", Belgians in the Congo

"We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

"Hemingway, Eichmann, "Stranger in a Strange Land"
Dylan, Berlin, Bay of Pigs invasion

"Lawrence of Arabia", British Beatlemania
Ole Miss, John Glenn, Liston beats Patterson

"Pope Paul, Malcolm X, British politician sex
JFK, blown away, what else do I have to say

"We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

"We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it."

SONG #3:

THE VILLAGERS: "I feel so bad I got a worried mind
I'm so lonesome all the time
Since I left my baby behind
On Blue Bayou

"Saving nickles, saving dimes
Working 'til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou

"I'm going back someday
Come what may
To Blue Bayou
Where the folks are fine
And the world is mine
On Blue Bayou
Where those fishing boats
With their sails afloat
If I could only see
That familiar sunrise
Through sleepy eyes
How happy I'd be

"Gonna see my baby again
Gonna be with some of my friends
Maybe I'll feel better again
On Blue Bayou

"Saving nickles, saving dimes
Working 'til the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
On Blue Bayou

"Oh, that boy of mine
By my side
The silver moon
And the evening tide
Oh, some sweet day
Gonna take away
This hurting inside
Well or (Will ?)
I'll never be blue
My dreams come true
On Blue Bayou."

The Villagers finished and were applauded off of the stage. Nigel returned.

"The Villagers, ladies and gentlemen. We'll give the judges a bit more time to add up their points and send them to the adjudicator. Back in a couple of minutes."

Nigel left the stage.

A few minutes later Nigel returned to the stage.

"The 2nd group of the night ladies, and gentlemen, please welcome Rumpa Stumpers."

Nigel left the stage.

2: RUMPA STUMPERS

SONG #1

RUMPA STUMPERS: "The Nashville friends think I'm strange to make my home out on the range

"Think it's nothin' but a God forsaken land
Why don't you bring your guitar and family, move on down to Tennessee
Well, I just smile because they don't understand
But if they ever saw a sunrise on a mountain mornin'
Watched those cotton candy clouds roll by
They'd know why I live beneath these western skies

"I got peace of mind and elbow room I love the smell of sage in bloom
Catch a rainbow on my fishin' line
We got county fairs and rodeos, ain't a better place for my kids to grow

"Just turn 'em loose in the western summer time
And if you ever held your woman on a summer's evening
While the prairie moon was blazin' in her eyes
You'd know why I live beneath these western skies

"You ain't lived until you've watched those northern lights
Set around the campfire and hear the coyotes call at night
Makes you feel alright

"So guess I'll stay right where I'm at, wear my boots and my cowboy hat
But I'll come and see ya once in a while
I'll bring my guitar and sing my songs, sorry if I don't stay too long
I love Tennessee but ya know it's just not my style
I gotta be where I can see those rocky mountains
Ride my horse and watch an eagle fly
I gotta live my life and write my songs beneath these western skies

"When I die you can bury me beneath these western skies, yippee..."

SONG #2:

RUMPA STUMPERS: "You've got a face not spoiled by beauty
I have some scars from where I've been
You've got eyes that can see right through me
You're not afraid of anything they've seen

"I was told that I would feel
Nothing the first time
I don't know how these cuts heal
But in you I found a right

"If there is a light
You can always see
And there is a world
We can always be
If there is a dark
That we shouldn't doubt
And there is a light
Don't let it go out

"And this is a song
A song for someone
This is a song
A song for someone

"You let me into a conversation
A conversation only we could make
You're breaking into my imagination
Whatever's in there is yours to take

"I was told I'd feel
Nothing the first time
You were slow to heal
But this could be the night

"If there is a light
You can always see
And there is a world
We can always be
If there is a dark
Within and without
And there is a light
Don't let it go out

"And this is a song
A song for someone
This is a song
A song for someone

"And I'm a long way
From your hill on Calvary
And I'm a long way
From where I was, where I need to be

"If there is a light
You can always see
And there is a world
We can always be
If there is a kiss
I stole from your mouth
And there is a light,
Don't let it go out.."

SONG #3:

RUMPA STUMPERS: "As he came into the window
It was the sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom.

"Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok, Annie
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok
Are you ok, Annie
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok, are you ok Annie?

"Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
You've been hit by
You've been hit by
A smooth criminal

"So they came into the outway
It was Sunday - what a black day
Mouth to mouth
Resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats - intimidation

"Then you
Ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom

"You've been struck by
A smooth criminal."

The Rumpa Stumpers finished, and were applauded off of the stage. Nigel returned

"Rumpa Stumpers, ladies and gentlemen. Again we'll give the judges, a bit more time to add up their points and send them to the adjudicator. Back in a couple of minutes."

Nigel left the stage.

A few minutes later Nigel returned to the stage.

"After this next group, we'll be halfway through, which mean's we'll take a 15 minute break. But first the 3rd group of the night. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Whatsit2U's."

Nigel left the stage.

3: WHATSIT2U'S

SONG #1:

WHATSIT2U'S: "I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place.
Even your emotions had an echo
In so much space

"And when you're out there
Without care,
Yeah, I was out of touch
But it wasn't because I didn't know enough
I just knew too much

"Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Possibly

"And I hope that you are having the time of your life
But think twice, that's my only advice

"Come on now, who do you, who do you, who do you, who do you think you are,
Ha ha ha bless your soul
You really think you're in control

"Well, I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
Just like me

"My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember is thinking, I want to be like them
Ever since I was little, ever since I was little it looked like fun
And it's no coincidence I've come
And I can die when I'm done

"Maybe I'm crazy
Maybe you're crazy
Maybe we're crazy
Probably

Uh, uh."

SONG #2:

WHATSIT2U'S: "Please don't stop the music, music, music

"Please don't stop the music, music, music
Please don't stop the music, music, music
Please don't stop the music, music, music

"It's getting late, I'm making my way over to my favorite place
I gotta get my body moving, shake the stress away
I wasn't looking for nobody when you looked my way
Possible candidate, yeah

"Who knew, that you'd be up in here looking like you do
You're makin' staying over here impossible
Baby, I'm a say your aura is incredible
If you don't have to go, don't

"Do you know what you started? I just came here to party
But now we're rockin' on the dance floor, actin' naughty
Your hands around my waist just let the music play
We're hand in hand, chest to chest, and now we're face to face

"I wanna take you away
Let's escape into the music
DJ, let it play
I just can't refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin' to it
Please don't stop the, please don't stop the music
I wanna take you away
Let's escape into the music
DJ, let it play
I just can't refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin' to it
Please don't stop the, please don't stop the, please don't stop the music

"Baby, are you ready 'cause it's gettin' cold
Don't you feel the passion ready to explode?
What goes on between us no one has to know
This is a private show

"Please don't stop the music

"Please don't stop the music, music, music

"Please don't stop the music

"Please don't stop the music, music, music

"Please don't stop the music, music, music, music, music, music, music."

SONG #3:

WHATSIT2U'S: "If you wanna make a move then you better come in

"It's just the ability to reason that wears so thin
Living and dying and the stories that are true
Secrets to a good life's knowing when you're through

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb

"Well, he's back in the hole where they got him living
Like a rat but he's smarter than that nine lives
Like a cat 15 years old take him to the youth authority home
First thing you learn is that you got to make it in this world
alone

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah

"The boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb

"Now he's gotten out, he's gotten free, he's gotta go, gotta car
He's 21 years old, he's runnin' numbers from the bar
His pager's beepin', he's got in deep in
Whatever he can move on in you know that kid's a creepin'

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac
The boy's a time bomb
(Yeah) The boy's a time bomb

"Tears come from the razor that's been tattooed below
His eye his mother cries, she knows that he is strong enough
To die he's rollin' in the Cadillac, it's midnight sunroof is down
Three shots rung out the hero's dead, the new king is crowned

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb.

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah
The boy's a time bomb

"Ohh, time bomb!"

Whatsit2U's finished and were applauded off of the stage. Nigel returned.

"Whatsit2U's ladies and gentlemen. Give them a hand. Well we're now halfway through Regionals. Which means we'll now take a 15 minute break so will the next two teams please get ready. The High Toners, and the New Directions. We will be back in 15 minutes.

Nigel walked off of the stage.

END OF PART 1

NOTE: I decided to do this in 2 parts as I didn't want another long Chapter like Sectionals. That took just over 8000 words, and I feared this chapter might well and truly go past that. So I've broken this chapter up.

2ND NOTE: I do not own the words or the copyrights to: TENNIS COURT, WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE, BLUE BAYOU, WESTERN SKIES, SONGS ABOUT SOMEONE, SMOOTH CRIMINAL, CRAZY, PLEASE DON'T STOP THE MUSIC and TIME BOMB.

Coming Up Part 2 of REGIONALS: