DISCLAIMER:
Welcome again, chapter 34 released. What happened to Ella? Is she ok? And what about the War of the bands' semifinals? Will the Black Unicorn perform without Ella? Find out next on the exciting episode of War of the Bands.
And as always, don´t forget to leave a review of the story. This helps me to improve not only in this but also in future stories. Or at least mark it as a favorite, that way, I will know you're enjoying it. Now let me answer this week's reviews.
WhatTheHeck23: Glad you like it, Chapter 4 was to make the 5th member identity as mysterious as possible, and yes DJ scene is great.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, Corus Corporation, their creators, and associates companies. Any song used on this fic belongs to their original creators.
Canadian Pride – Track 1
Last time on War of the Bands, we mix cinema and music in an awesome challenge. The bands had to play a song from an Official Movie soundtrack and made a stage performance worthy of the big screen. The bands again surpass the public (and mine) expectations putting one great act after the other.
But only one can win the challenge, and this time the victory was for the Devil's Muse. And in a never seen occurrence, there was a tie between H-tonics and Black Unicorn to be the public favorite. After a lot of deliberation, the Acapella group was the one that fought Princess' Court in the battle of the bands, dropping Princess' flag and eliminating them from the competition.
Only 3 flags are standing over the stage. And today the bands have to give their all. The winner will pass to the final, while the other 2 bands had to fight a battle of the bands, with the last spot in next week's episode as the prize.
Who will win the right to fight this final battle, Devil's Muse, H-tonics, or Black Unicorn? Find it now. This is The War of the Bands, the semifinal.
But while the episode was starting, the Black Unicorn was in deep trouble.
"Guys, this's serious. Ella's missing," said Justin, his voice a mix of upset and anger.
"What did you say?" all the passengers jumped on their place, the atmosphere becoming so heavy that it could be cut with a knife.
"Her grandma said she went out this morning as all the Fridays to wait for us," said Justin, frowning, and he hates to frown.
B picked up his phone and tried to call her, but she didn't get it.
Cody covered his mouth, white as a sheet, "What do we do? She may be taken by the same people that attacked Noah."
"We'll do the only thing we can do, we'll find them and we'll crush them. NOBODY messes with our singer," said Duncan, going down from the van.
"CALM DOWN!" shouted Trent, trying to remain calm.
"This is precisely what they want us to do, to lose our head and stop thinking. We need to find Ella and also get to the show," said Trent in a stern tone.
"Are you crazy Elvis? It's the damn prize more important for you than Ella?" asked Duncan, who already lost his patience.
Trent glared back at him. "Of course not, don't be stupid Duncan. But I'll not allow these scoundrels to get what they want, so here is the plan."
"Justin, use your contacts and try to find what happened with Ella. Cody, call all our friends, maybe someone knows something, and ask anyone who isn't in the TDB (Total Drama Building) to help us searching for her. B, Eva, and Duncan, ask around here, maybe someone saw her," said Trent, thinking as fast as he could.
"And Trent, what will you do?" said Cody, already knowing the answer.
"I'll go to the show to try to gain us as much time as I can. I entrust Ella to all of you," said Trent with a pained expression on his face.
"Well, it isn't a bad plan, let's go," said Duncan, each of them doing what they were asked.
"Hello again Canada. I'm Topher Secrest, and I'll be, as always, the host of this exciting episode of WAR OF THE BANDS. We're in the semifinals of the show. Of the remaining 3 bands, two will have the honor to compete next week in THE FINAL EPISODE to find who is the best juvenile band in ALL Canada, and also gain the sweet sweet prize of 100,000 dollars," said Topher, the public cheering and clapping
"For tonight challenge, our teams will interpret a song from a Canadian artist. It can be any genre or song, but it must have been made famous by a Canadian artist or band. The team with the best performance according to our judges will gain an automatic pass to the final. The remaining two will have to fight a battle of the bands. The winners will pass to the final. The losers will see their flag fall to the ground and will be eliminated from the competition," said Topher, raising his arms and pointing at the flags.
The young host enjoyed a moment the cheer of the public. "Now let's introduced the first band that will play tonight. They're one of our favorites and the only A capella band that has performed in the show, including the auditions. Lead by former Drama Brother H-Bomb, their unique style and beatboxing skills are mind-blowing. They're H-tonics!" said Topher as the screen began to show last week's interview with the band.
As the screen changed, Topher began to look nervous toward the backstage while talking to the staff using his earpiece. "Are they not here yet?… Ok, thanks."
"Where are you Black Unicorn? If you're not here before your turn, you'll be disqualified," said Topher under his breath, worried about the band.
Ella woke up disoriented. She was in the backseat of a stranger's car, her nose was filled with the cheap scent of vanilla aromatizer. As her thoughts were becoming clearer, she heard a couple arguing on the front seat.
"Are you imbecile? This's called kidnapping, the Burromuerto guy only asked us to fright her, not to take her, you Sha-idiot. They can call the police upon us for this one," said the woman in a loud tone.
"Shut your trap a moment, Jo! The girl passed out before Lightning could do anything, so Lighning brought her to the car. If not, she would wake up and go to the show. So Lightning Sha-thought better and took her. We can't fail again," said the guy in an arrogant tone.
"Yes, fail again. After you Sha-idiot mixed the Indian guitarist with another random Indian, and worse of all, you almost killed the twerp," said Jo in an angry and louder tone.
Ella then remembered what happened. She went out of her aunt's house, and this big man jumped out of nowhere and hit her head with his elbow. Her head still ached and she could feel a bump from the hit.
If what they said was true, she must have been passed out some time, so the show must be about to begin. But what can she do? She's a princess trapped in a car, and there are no signs of a charming prince on the way. She must do what she can, using her unique advantage, that they don't know she's awake.
Ella slowly touched her dress pouch and found her mobile. She slowly took it out, happy because the kidnappers didn't take it.
War of the bands 6th round first band interview: H-tonics
On the screen, Topher gave the envelope with this week's challenge to Harold and Heather. Harold took the envelope and quickly put it out from Heather's reach, while the singer tried to snatch it in vain. He opened the envelope and triumphantly took out the card with next week's challenge.
"Yesss! The next challenge is a song from a Canadian artist or band. It's time to show our national pride Hearther," said Harold with a confident smile.
"Mph! Whatever, we can discuss this later," said Heather folding her arms. She was angry because, as the singer, she was the one that should open the envelopes.
The image then changed to H-tonics practicing. Harold and Beardo discussed with some papers on their hand. Heather was frowning while nagging at Max and Mike. All the members were sweating and exhausted. This practice seemed harder than the previous ones.
The interview changed to Harold, with a towel over his shoulders and drinking from a water bottle. "The song we choose this time is a challenge for ourselves. It's not a song that can be performed easily in A capella. But we learn the past round that we must push our limits if we want to win. We'll not take chances this time."
Harold looked back at the band and smiled. "Since Heather and I formed this band. We all have grown a lot, especially Mike and Max. They were good but now they are exceptional. If I get overconfident they'll surpass me."
The interview then changed to Max, who was heavy breathing. "How dare that ungrateful and bossy Ice queen order me, Dr. E-VIL, and force me to do this inefficient voice exercise. And worst of all, they put me at the same level that this birdbrain Circumstance. After I conquer the world only H-Bomb and B-rdo will get their own country."
Then the interview went back to Harold. "To be honest there was some tension after the last round. So we decided to start from scratch our practice for this round onward. We'll not lose again. Look at us Canada, H-tonics will win this war."
Trent entered the TDB running toward the elevators. As he was inside the cabin, he heard a woman voice shouting, "please, wait a minute," Trent was in a rush, he needed to reach floor 33 as soon as possible. But the woman sounded upset, so he decided to wait, Trent just hoped don't regret this later.
"Thank you, you're a lifesaver," said the blond woman entering into the elevator, heavy breathing, and smiling.
"You're Lindsay! why are you here? The show already started," said Trent surprised to see one of the judges on the ground floor.
"Oh! You're Trevor, from Black Unicorn," She said huffing and puffing. "Hehe, I oversleep, and my car, like, didn't start. So I had to take a cab," Lindsay stuck her tongue out and hit her head lightly, "And you? You also oversleep?"
"No. We had a problem. One of our members disappeared and we're looking for her. So I'm here to ask for as much time as the show can give us. I'm sure we'll find her, but we could be disqualified before that happens," said Trent, with a worried expression, while the elevator lifted them to the floor in which the show had already started.
"That's terrible! Did you call the police?" asked the Blonde singer.
Trent shook his head. "There's no time. The show only lasts 90 minutes. By the time the RCMP starts looking for her it'll be already too late.
"Oh! That's true," replied Lindsay, "I hope you can find her. I really love your performances."
"I hope so too," said Trent, looking worried at his clock. While Lindsay looked at him with a preoccupied expression.
War of the bands 6th challenge first band: H-Tonics
"Now let's receive H-tonics with a big hand. They'll perform a song from a famous band formed in Norwood Ontario and based here in Toronto, Three days of Grace! The song they choose is their two platinum certificate song from 2006, 'Animal I Have Become[1]'. Let's hear them," said Topher as he went down the stage.
For this performance all the male integrants were dressed in black clothes, with black shirts, except Mike, who was barechested. Heather was wearing a black miniskirt with a red shirt, a long black coat, and high heels.
On the stage, Beardo was focused on beatboxing as a human guitar, and Harold as a human bass, while Max was making the beat sounds and Mike the cymbals. The combination was incredible. It was synchronized and one of the most sophisticated performances from the band.
Then Heather began to sing, looking with her gray eyes at the public, it seemed as if she was really talking about herself during the lyrics. As they performed, the tempos become faster, and Harold and Beardo's beatbox also become better.
At the end of the song, the crowd was singing and clapping at the rhythm. Wildly cheering as the band ended the performance and Topher returned to the stage.
"This must be the wildest performance by these guys from all the episodes. I'm sure that Boss B-rdo ate a guitar before going into the stage," said Topher, the public laughed at the joke as Beardo shrugged and rubbed his belly.
"Now let's hear our judges' opinion. First is the rap Legend, platinum disc collector and a favorite of the audience, N.H Chef," said Topher clapping, as the audience roared.
Chef waved at the audience before starting, "This must be the more ambitious song you have performed until now. Everybody could tell about the masterful beatboxing of B-rdo and H-Bomb, but I want to point out the work of Dr. E-vil and the Circumstance as the drums. It showed their great beatboxing skills and awesome teamwork, well done."
"Thanks Chef! Also with us is Camp TV Man, the guy that transforms the entertainment industry, making hosting a first-class job. And also a native of Toronto, Chriiiis McLean," said Topher excitedly as the public cheered for the former host.
Chris smiled and enjoy a moment the cheering before talking. "I have to say you have improved. This must be your best performance to date. The song was good, your teamwork was great, and Q-Bee was on the zone. She took the public's attention at the beginning of the song and ran with it during the rest of the performance. I don't know if it's the real you, but it was AWESOME. Good job."
"Thanks Chris! Our final judge is one of the best pop singers in our country, 9-week number one on the Billboard, and a charming lady. Her hotness herself, the heart stealer, Lindsay," said Topher in a loud and excited tone.
Lindsay was smiling on her seat, breathing a little quickly, but nobody would suspect she arrived just moments before, "I like how Bob made the sounds of the guitar. When I heard it I was sure it was a real guitar, and then I look at the stage and wow, it was like the guitar sounds were coming from Bob, it was like Oh my goodness! how does he do that? It may not be my favorite genre, but it was a great performance nonetheless."
"Thanks Lidnsay, and thanks H-tonics, you have put a high bar to beat to the other teams. Now let's call the next band into the stage," said Topher as the commercial break began.
The young host saw Trent in backstage and ran to talk with him.
"Trent, you're late! We will introduce Devil's Muse first. Did something happened?" said Topher worried.
"Yes, we're not ready, something happened to Ella. Now the rest of the band are looking for her," explained Trent, looking distressed at the young host.
"Oh no! If Devil's Muse performance ends and they're not here, you'll be disqualified," said Topher, covering his mouth with his hand.
"Please, I'm sure they'll find her before the show ends, but we need as much time as you can give us," said the guitarist, his eyes full of determination.
"I'll do what I can, but I don't make any promise. Please do what you can to get your band together," said Topher smiling. He was still grateful for their help during Psycho Hose Beast incident, so he intended to do what he could while remaining as fair as possible.
"Yes Bridgette, it's a ford fusion 2010 black. I'll call you if I found something else. Please call Brody, and Geoff, thanks," said Cody. He had already called Emma, Courtney, Sammy, Gwen, and Noah. All of them and Bridgette will help to look for Ella and call their bandmates, but without clues, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Duncan found out that one of the neighbors saw a black Ford Fusion 2010 parked on a prohibited space near Ella's house. The man had the same model, so it call his attention.
But there were no more hints. Duncan, B, and Eva were again in the car, talking about what to do next. Cody walked near the driver window to see if Justin found something.
"I have no luck, what about you?" said Cody at the rest of his friends. The male model just hanged up and looked at them excitedly.
"I just contact Sadie. She said that she saw a black jock with white hair driving a black ford fusion. It must be the same guy," said Justin starting his van, "they are near Queen's Park through Church street."
"Are you sure it's them?" asked Cody while going into the car.
"No, but is better than staying here without more clues," said Justin putting on his sunglasses and speeding up.
They were all worried. Cody was trying to think, there must be a way to find them. Ella must be scared. What if they hurt her? Not only Cody, but all the passengers in the car also had the same thoughts.
Then the brunette guy's phone began to ring. He thought it was some of his friends with a clue, but his heart skipped a beat when he saw the caller.
"Ella?" he said taking the call, but she wasn't talking.
"It's her? What happened? Is she ok?" said Ducan, as he and B came closer to Cody.
Cody remained silent a moment hearing carefully. "She's not speaking. Maybe she can't talk-"
"Can't you track the call or something, I don't know, pinpoint her whereabouts using her phone," asked Duncan, the veins in his neck pulsing visibly.
"Isn't that easy, maybe Noah or that girl Sierra can do it, but I can't," said Cody, worried, trying to hear anything from the call, "sheesh! They're talking."
"I don't care what you say Jo but Lightning is hungry, so I'll enter the drive-thru and bought some big flipsters. You want something or not?" Said a male voice in a loud tone.
"I don't know why I accept this job with you as my partner, Sha-idiot. Do whatever you want! It's not like we had just kidnapped a girl. I can't believe someone can be so stupid," Said a woman in an upset tone.
"They're going into a Burger McFlipster drive-thru," said Cody, in an excited voice.
"Really? After kidnapping someone, they're stopping to buy something to eat? Are they stupid?" asked Duncan, as shocked as everyone else.
Cody nodded, maybe they could arrive on time. "They don't know we're following them. Is there any McFlipster in Church Street?"
"Yes, there is one in the corner with Queen," said Eva, she'll not confess why she knew that place.
"The intersection of Church with Queen, I got it, put on your seatbelts," said Justin speeding up.
The group was coming closer to the direction, but the time was running out. Could they rescue Ella and return to the Total Drama building before being disqualified? At that moment, nobody on the van cared. They were only focused on saving their friend.
[1] For this performance I choose as inspiration the life performance in Jay Leno show, and Live The Palace 2008. Those are quite good, but I prefer the Jay Leno one because the audience doesn't participate. Yes, the song had not that a capella vibe that other songs had, but that is the kind of song that Harold was looking, a challenge for the band.
Can Cody's group rescue Ella? And can Trent buy enough time on the show for them to arrive, or is the end of the competition for the Black Unicorn? Find out in the next chapter of War of the Bands.
Exciting? I hope so. I tried to change the episode's formula, and I hope you like it. My apologies to Lightning and Jo fans, but someone had to play the villains, but I'll try to write a story with them in a better light in the future.
And as always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it
