I have finally come out with Chapter 3! Honestly, I kinda overachieved with this chapter. My original writing of this was 2,000 words, and I wanted to add up to at least 3,000 words. So I added to what I had, and..now it's 6,039 words. This is the split version of that document! In this half, we meet the final contestants, and our first competitor is eliminated. Enjoy!
Before we go back to Lincoln and the show, let's see what other characters are doing.
The Loud House:
"Wow. I can't say I sing myself, but these performances have been really good." said Lynn, with surprising interest.
"I will say, the tones of the voices have been good. I especially favor the Oryctolagus cuniculus." Lisa added.
"What?"
"In street terms- the bunny is my favorite."
"Oh my gosh, Bunny is totes a great singer!" Leni added.
"I don't know, his song was a little OFF-key for his character! Haha, get it?" Luan jokes, which the sisters groan at.
"Well, it looks like literally everyone here liked Bunny." Lori said, with a small roll of her eyes.
"Oh come on, you like Bunny too!" Lola fired back.
"I bet Lincoln would like Bunny as well!" exclaimed Lana, clearly siding with her twin.
Lori knew the twins were right, so she didn't respond. Surprisingly, the show had actually gotten her off her phone for once. Luna, however, had her own thoughts. The musically inclined sister saw the show first, but yet hasn't made a single comment.
"Well, we'll just show him when he comes back bruh." Luna added. Or maybe he's already watching this..
"Sigh, I liked how Tiger and Cavalier rapped. They remind me of my poems." Lucy added.
The Rosato Residence:
It wasn't just the Louds that were watching, as the Rosotos were also watching on tv. Well, at least Jordan and her sister Jen were watching. Just like the Louds, they were also enjoying the show.
"Man, that Bunny is really good!" Jen exclaimed.
Jordan, however, felt a different way about the Bunny (Lincoln). I want to say I feel connected to the Bunny, but I don't know. Last time I said that about a singer, it was Lincoln. Maybe the Bunny is him...I should ask him, Jordan thought.
"Yeah, I like the Bunny too." Agreed Jordan, hiding her thoughts from her sister.
At the Show:
Nick Cannon was once again on stage, just like he had been many times that evening. He smiled, ready to introduce another competitor.
"What an evening it has been for all of us, here on the premiere of The Masked Singer Jr. We've met and listened to two-thirds of our contestants. If you haven't yet, prepare to meet our final 5 for the night!" Nick said.
The crowd cheered, already knowing which contestants were left. What really mattered was the order of those 5, and what kinda performance would they give.
"I'm so excited!" Exclaimed Nicole, to which Mick agreed with.
"Now, let's meet our silverback competitor. Say hello to the Gorilla!" announced. The gorilla's promo revealed that he was from a bad family, and not known to sing. Gorilla came out shyly, and music started to play immediately.
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?
Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me
Why am I so emotional?
No, it's not a good look, gain some self-control
And deep down I know this never works
But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt
Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me
Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me
Oh, won't you stay with me?
'Cause you're all I need
This ain't love, it's clear to see
But, darling, stay with me
The Gorilla sang beautifully, giving Bunny some real competition as the Heartthrob. Lincoln obviously saw this performance, and thought the same thing. I might have to prove myself the next time I perform, thought Lincoln.
"What a performance from Gorilla! Judges, your thoughts?" asked Nick.
Jenny had shed some tears during the performance, as well as Nicole. "That was amazing!" cried Jenny.
Ken gave a small scoff at this, as he also felt the emotions caused by the song. He said, "I'm just gonna say this now, but that performance was definitely on par with Bunny's."
"Your ticket has been punched, you'll be back to perform next episode." added Mick, giving a smile.
"Thank you," Gorilla responded. The Gorilla was sent backstage, which allowed the next competitor to be introduced.
"I think the bar is now really high for our next performance," Robin said.
"It most certainly is, Robin. Don't you worry, as our next competitor is very familiar with competition. Please meet the Trojan!"
His promo played, revealing that Trojan was a male and some sort of Asian race. Unlike Gorilla before him, Trojan greeted the crowd before him. Music then started to play, and the lights slightly dimmed.
Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can't tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start
They tell me I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes
Well that's fine by me
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost
I tried carrying the weight of the world
But I only have two hands
Hope I get the chance to travel the world
But I don't have any plans
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life's a game made for everyone
And love is a prize
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
I didn't know I was lost
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
I didn't know I was lost...
Throughout the performance, Trojan danced and insisted on crowd participation. It was agreed upon the judges that he was entertaining, and still showed his voice. Cat came out next, promo revealing that she was a pretty big name in the entertainment business. She took over America's Got Talent, and was planning to do the same here. The Cat came out, greeting the crowd before the music played.
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go 'til we're gone
Love was when I loved you
One true time I'd hold to
In my life, we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on (why does the heart go on?)
Once more, you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
You're here, there's nothing I fear
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart and
My heart will go on and on
The performance was once again emotional, and was definitely raising the bar. Her singing style also showed that she was young. It was stated that she'll really be getting compared to Bunny and Gorilla. After, the Platypus came out, with their promo hinting they come from a 3-state area and have a step-brother. This performance was pretty unique, as it was one of their own. Platypus performed a song that they called Gitchee Gitchee Goo. It was an entertaining song that the judges liked.
Now, it was down to the last performance of the night. Everyone knew this as well, as it was the first thing Nick mentioned. "We've been through a lot of performances tonight, but we might have saved one of the best for last. You already know who this is, the one that hides in the shadows, but is always ready to hunt. Allow me to introduce you to...the Panther!" Before the Panther came out, the last promo video played.
You might call me an overlooked face
Or a little new to the place
But I'm sure you'll give me a nod
Even though I'm a little odd
As long as I'm with my squad.
This may not look like my thing
But I promise y'all that I can sing.
Panther comes out, addressing the crowd. The lights darken, leaving the Panther in the shadows. Then, music starts to play, leading a spotlight to where Panther is.
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Why'd you have to leave so soon?
Why'd you have to go?
Why'd you have to leave me when I needed you the most?
'Cause I don't really know how to tell ya
Without feeling much worse
I know you're in a better place
But it's always gonna hurt
Carry on
Give me all the strength I need to carry on
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh
How do I breathe without you?
I'm feeling so cold
I'll be waiting right here for ya
'Til the day you're home
Carry on
Give me all the strength I need to carry on
So let the light guide your way
Hold every memory as you go
And every road you take will always lead you home, home
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh
When I see you again
See you again
When I see you again
For every second of the song, Panther was locked in. When the song ended, he was given an amazing response.
Nick Cannon went onstage, next to Panther. "Man, what a way to end the night. I guess I wasn't wrong when I said we may have saved one of the best." he said.
Robin did not hesitate to say his opinion after that. "Oh, definitely one of the best."
"You sang that perfectly," added Mick.
"Thank you," replied the Panther.
Nicole continued, "And knowing the true meaning of the song just made it a lot more emotional."
"Right?" Jenny agreed. "I loved each and every perfectly sung note."
"I have to agree with everyone else. I loved the performance, and everything about it. With that, I can guarantee that we will definitely See You Again." Ken concluded.
Panther was then sent into the back, once again leaving Nick cannon alone.
"And now, it's time to say goodbye to one of our competitors. As much as we don't want to see anyone go, it wouldn't be the Masked Singer without it. Tonight, we have 4 contestants that could potentially leave tonight. Only 1 will go home, and it's your job to choose that 1. Everyone, prepare your phones, because that's what you'll be voting on."
The live crowd proceeded to get their phones, ready to vote. At home, people did the same, from the Loud sisters to the Rosatos.
"Remember, the contestant you choose to eliminate today will be sent home. Before that, they will have to unmask themselves, so we can see who they really are. Tonight, you'll have to choose between these 4 contestants: Monkey, Bull, Rat, and Star."
At the same time, those 4 contestants came onstage. Everyone started to vote; some voted quickly, others slower.
"The results are in, and the first elimination this season will be...Rat!" The Rat, clearly unhappy, dips their head. The other 3 are sent off stage, leaving Rat alone.
"Now, it's finally time to find out who's behind that mask. Take it off!"
The crowd continued to chant, as the show's theme song started to play.
"Take it off! Take it off!"
When the music stopped playing, the Rat revealed their mask. It was revealed as a kid named Logan Neal, who admitted to not having a lot of experience. Nick quickly took over, having an announcement.
"With that, there are now only 15 contestants left in this competition! Next episode, the rest of the competitors will be placed into 3 sections, 5 in each. Who's in which section? Find out next episode."
With that, the episode ends. Each contestant is sent backstage, into a private room. There, they can change out of their costumes and leave.
With the Louds:
"Man, I'm so glad the Rat was eliminated!" Luna exclaimed.
"To be fair, he admitted he wasn't that good." replied Lynn.
"That's not the only reason why, I just hate country music." Luna said.
"At least Rat performed, I just realized Bull didn't perform at all!" interrupted Lola.
"On my god," a voice said. It turned out to be Lori, who was now looking at her phone. All the sisters looked at Lori, trying to find out what was going on.
"What is it?" asked Lana.
"Turns out Bull got really sick before the show, and wasn't able to perform. It says they ended up collapsing while Cavalier was performing, and that Nick Cannon was told that immediately." said Lori.
"Oh my gosh, are they ok?" asked Leni, with clear concern.
"It looks like he's ok, but it's really bad. He'll be given treatment for 4 months, and he's even pulled out of the show."
"How do you know Bull's a guy?" asked Lynn suspiciously.
"Because he confirmed it on social media, and it went viral." replied Lori. She pulled out her phone to show the Cavalier's post on Chirp-Chirp. It was a social media platform, with the person behind the Bull's mask revealing his identity. The post was long, revealing everything:
Jayden Poth ✓
Anyone that's watched The Masked Singer Jr. tonight knows that the Bull didn't actually perform tonight. Well, I know exactly why. This is because I am the Bull, and I got really sick. I wasn't able to perform because the sickness caused me to collapse backstage, and am currently at the hospital. Don't worry, nothing bad will happen to me, but I will unfortunately have to pull out of the show. I'll have to be on medication for 4 months, and will not be able to even appear. Even though some will say that what happened to me wasn't my fault, I will still apologize. Only when I'm healthy again will I truly stop feeling bad for what happened.
Signed, Jayden Poth
Also known as the Bull.
The sisters all look up, in shock. They had no idea this happened to the Bull, just like anyone else. Lori even shows the sisters who Jayden Poth is, as he is verified on Chirp-Chirp. After the search, they found out that Jayden is known as a high school star basketball player. He even has potential to play pro, and is even great as a singer.
"Dang, we really missed out on a great singer." Luna says.
"I already knew that he was going to be ok, the spirits told me." Lucy said. The sisters were creeped out by this, so they didn't comment on it.
With Lincoln:
Lincoln exited the building, wearing his outfit. It was the one from before, in his black hoodie and sunglasses. He was offered a ride home, but he knew that his sisters would get suspicious of him. Instead, he decided to walk the long journey home. It wasn't a problem for Lincoln, as the area was very safe and didn't have much to worry about.
Entertainment wasn't even a problem either. Lincoln grabbed his headphones, and listened to music on his phone. Well, it wasn't the only thing he was doing. Before that, Lincoln decided to listen to his performance. He wanted to hear how he sounded, and reflect on it.
As he listened, he felt the same emotions everyone else had felt, as well as his own during it. He remembered why he chose that song as his first performance, his inspiration: There are times in life when you feel like you're not cared about.
Lincoln knew that everyone has felt this at times, so he chose to relate to people. As long as he could connect with the crowd, he was sure he'd end up winning. I just need a plan for what to do each time I perform, thought Lincoln. He explored his mind, trying to think of the perfect plan. I got it! I don't know what kind of performance I'll perform next, but I can still plan for each type. His plan was simple:
For solo performances, he'd perform with an inspiration for the song. That way, he'd put more heart and soul into it.
Smackdowns would be different, as he would try to entertain.
Finally, in group performances Lincoln will just try to stand out against his competitors; there was less pressure in those anyway.
Now, Lincoln could finally listen to music, as he now had a plan. Lincol looked up and around, noticing the progress he's made on his walk. Little did he know that he was about to approach a certain girl's house. As he listened to his music, he couldn't help but sing along.
What's the sky without the stars?
What's a story without heart?
What am I if I'm not standing where you are?
What's goodbye without a kiss?
What's a penny without a wish?
What's tonight if you're not here to spend it with?
And where's the light if there's no dark?
Where's the flame if there's no spark?
And what am I if I'm not standing where you are?
What am I if I'm not standing where you are?
And what's a bird without a song?
What's the day without the dawn?
What's a road if you're not there to walk along?
And what's the warmth without the cold?
What's a tale that's never told?
What is love if it's not us growing old?
And where's the light if there's no dark?
Where's the flame if there's no spark?
And what am I if I'm not standing where you are?
What am I if I'm not standing where you are?
Where's the light if there's no dark?
Where's the flame if there's no spark?
And what am I if I'm not standing where you are?
What am I if I'm not standing where you are?
What am I if I'm not standing where you are?
During the song, he thought of the same person that essentially got him into the show. That person was Jordan, whom his feelings for caused him to sing that very song that got Gabby Reese to approach him.
He already knew he had feelings for her, but that moment of remembering that gave him the true confirmation of how he felt about her. I have to tell her my feelings, Lincoln thought. Luckily for him, he was about to have that chance...
Okok, I know I ended this part with a cliffhanger. I honestly didn't want to do this either, but it just made so much sense to split it there. Don't worry, the second half of this will be uploaded shortly. Before I reveal the references, let me explain why Bull was also eliminated. Honestly, the Bull's first performance was supposed to be in Chapter 2...but I forgot to even mention him at all. I was already almost done with the well written story when I noticed this, so it was kinda too late to add him in. Don't worry, instead of just acting like he never existed, I wrote a part in the story just to explain what happened to Bull. It helps me as well, since I had no idea what his next performance would be...which would slow down production for the writing of this story. Honestly, what happens to Bull is pretty much a reference to a real life event that happened between me and him. Those details were changed to fit this story, but it pretty much is similar to how Jayden, my real friend, got hurt in the middle of our basketball season last year.
Now, reference time!
Gorilla sings Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Trojan sings Wake Me Up - Avichii
Cat sings My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
Gitchee Gitchee Goo is such an obvious hint for who the character is
Panther sings See You Again - Charlie Puth (Solo version)
While walking, Lincoln sings Where You Are - Kurt Hugo Schneider