DISCLAIMER:

Hello, chapter 35 is here. Will Cody and the rest rescue Ella on time? And what will happen with the semifinals of the show? Will Black Unicorn be eliminated without a chance to perform? Find out next on War of the Bands.

And please, if you are enjoying the story, mark it as a favorite, or if you want, leave a review. Reviews not only help me to improve this story but also future ones.

WARNING: This episode had some action scenes for TEEN Audience.

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 – Take 2

The sixth day and the War of the Bands has begun. The 3 remaining bands have to play a song by a Canadian artist or group, so the contestants must put on their patriotic shirts and choose from the variety of excellent Canadian groups out there.

H-tonics made the first performance choosing 'Animal I have become' by Three days of grace, a song more than appropriate for their group. The public went wild with it. Now Devil's Muse and Black Unicorn must do their best to try to surpass them.

But Black Unicorn had more serious problems, Ella disappeared, and they have to find her and get to the competition before they are disqualified. The time is running out. Will they be back on time? Find out here on War of the bands.


War of the bands 6th round second band interview: Devil's Muse.

While the Black Unicorn is chasing the Ford Fusion, the episode is already showing the interview with Devil's Muse. Topher was giving the envelope to Alejandro and Taylor. This time, the brunette was with her arms folded and rolling her eyes while Alejandro took the envelope and opened it.

"The next challenge is to perform a song from a Canadian group. Señorita, Is there any song you want to perform?" asked Alejandro showing a tender smile at his companion.

"Bleh! Whatever, let's just choose one that's famous, and let's end with this. It's getting boring," said Taylor, already going out of the scene.

Alejandro sighed, "Maybe I was wrong after all. Please stay tuned. I assure you we'll make a great performance and got our pass to the finals." And then he went behind her.

The scene changed to the fancy record studio from Devil's Muse past interview. Alejandro was talking with Rock and Spud. This time, Taylor wasn't on the scene, and the atmosphere was more relaxed. After a moment, she entered the room, leaving some shopping bags near the door and walking to the camera.

Then the scene showed the interviewer talking with Taylor. She had a bored expression with half-closed eyelids, "Of course I'll talk with you. I'm the star of the band after all, so go ahead and ask me anything you want. I'll answer only those questions I like."

The brunette girl rolled her eyes and answered at the camera. "Yes, when Al suggested the idea of forming the band I was excited. After all, I have a lot of talent and never had the chance to show it. But this is easier than I thought and Al is every day more and more annoying. Practice this, practice that, c'mon! This is going as planned. Why is he so bothersome?"

The image then changed to Alejandro. "For this challenge we choose a commercial success, and I hope it's enough to impress the judges. It's a risky bet because it has people that love it and people that hate it. About Taylor, no comments, but I'm the only one to blame. I only hope I can fix it after we win the competition."

The image then returned to Taylor. "The Devil's Muse? Ple-e-ease I AM the Devil's Muse. Even if we change the other members we'll continue winning as long as I'm the singer. But I would keep Al, he can be bothersome but sometimes he isn't that bad."

While the video was running, Topher and Trent were in Don Keoghan office. Don was the director of the show and one of their main producers.

"Sorry, I have to go back to the stage. Good luck," said Topher as he went out of the office.

"Mr. Trent, what you are saying is a serious accusation. According to you, your singer's disappearance was paid by one of your rivals, who also bought one of our judges. Is this correct?" said Don, his voice as cold as his gaze.

"Yes Mr. Keoghan. It's just as you said," said Trent looking directly into Don's eyes.

"But you don't have any evidence that sustains your claims, do you?" said Don narrowing his eyes.

"Not physical evidence, but it's happening. You can't say that these are just coincidences. The company that paid the blogs, the accidents involving the other bands, last week winner-" Trent tried to be polite, but he was desperate. He had to do his best to keep them in the competition while the rest rescue Ella, but Don interrupted him raising his hand and ask him to stop.

"Mr. Trent, I usually would ignore your claims as an attempt to discredit one of your rivals. But as you said, there are too many coincidences, and to be honest, we internally also had some doubts," said Don after taking a big Breath, but Trent joy was short-lived.

"Even then, there's only so much I can do. If your friends don't arrive before your turn, you'll be automatically out of the competition. I can twist the rules and allow the show to transmit your interview, but nothing more," said Don with a sad smile.

"Please, give us as much time as you can. I'm sure they'll be here," said Trent lowering his head.

"I hope they will," said Don, nodding. "Because there's nothing more I can do."

What Trent said was precisely what Don and other members of the staff have been suspecting. However, they were still a step behind. Without further evidence, they couldn't do anything else.


War of the bands 6th challenge Second band: Devil's Muse.

"That's Devil's Muse, our beautiful dysfunctional family. For their performance they have chosen an international hit that didn't appear on the local charts but was the 2002 top chart single in the USA. Nickleback's 2001 hit, 'How You Remind Me[1]', let's hear them," said Topher as the public began to cheer them.

The band went onto the stage. Taylor had a short white dress in the front that showed her legs but was long in the back, without shoulders. The rest of the band was dressed in black with leather jackets and T-shirts with the devil's muse logo. Rock and Spud were playing their usual guitar and drums, while Alejandro was playing a two-headed guitar-bass.

Taylor began to sing but used the lyrics of Avril Lavigne's version of the song. As usual, the passion and skills she put into the song were in clear contrast with her attitudes in the interviews. While she sang, the rest of the band began to play, Alejandro showing great skill but left the main guitar to Rock.

During the performance, Spud, Rock, and Alejandro showed a display of skill and passion not shown in the past. They were always technically good, but this time they put their all in the act. This complement Taylor's great but stoic singing, in which her voice was beautiful but failed to enchant the audience.

After the performance, the public was cheering and clapping. Topher jumped onto the stage to continue with the program. "This was a great, GREAT performance by the Devil's Muse. They really are into winning the pass to the finals, but it would be enough to convince the judges? let's find right now."

The first one to speak was Chris, slowly clapping at them. "I always have loved your style, guys, but this time you hit it out of the stadium. You put a great performance full of energy and passion, full of YOUTH. My only problem must be, even if it sounds incredible, you Taylor. I always liked your attitude and your presence on the stage, but this time it was flat. You were overshadowed by your band. You must try harder, or they'll leave you behind."

Then was the turn of Lindsay. She adjusted her cap, frowning a little. "well, I'm a big fan of Nickelback, and you guys did great work with the cover. I was like impressed by Alberto and how he played that strange guitar, and Steve on the drums – chuckled - he was so fast he seemed to had 4 arms. It was like wow, totally wow. But the song was like not that good, I like it, but I think you can do better. "

Lastly was the turn of Chef. He looked at them with a cold expression, "I believe all has been said by my fellow judges. Great performance, a great solo by Rock, man you kill it, the rest did an awesome job, even Taylor, you were great. But girl, compared with the others, we couldn't feel the passion from your act. Singing isn't only about technical skill and have a good voice, but is also about transmitting something to the audience. Think about it."

"Well, The judges have given us their feedback. This round will be again a close one, thanks Devil's Muse," said Topher trying to dissimulate how nervous he was. If he introduced the Black Unicorn, they'd be eliminated. He looked at the door, hoping to see them coming, thinking if he could do something to give them some time.


"6 McFlipsters, 2 sodas, and a flipster cone. Do you think we should buy something for Snowhite?" said Lightning while drinking from his soda.

"No, and let's get out of here. We need to go to the hotel and think about what to do with sleeping beauty," said Jo, pointing at Ella with her thumb.

Ella preferred being called Snowhite, but she'll not say it. She thought about trying to open the door and run, but what if they caught her? But again, if she screamed enough, maybe they would get scared and run away.

But before she could make a decision, she was startled by the sound of the car's horn.

"HEY IDIOT, THAT'S THE EXIT OF THE DRIVE-THROUGH, MOVE YOUR DAMN VAN," shouted Lightning in a loud and upset tone, pressing the car's horn again and again.

"Come down and make me," said the handsome and tanned driver of the van. Then he talked to the passengers of his car. "This is stupid. If that hooligan damages my car Duncan, you'll pay for it."

"Stop whining and be ready," said the delinquent, taking a deep breath.

Just as Duncan end talking, Lightning went down from his car, his eyes bulging and his nostrils flaring. Jo was shouting behind him.

"We don't have time for this, Sha-idiot, just ignore him and pass over the sidewalk!" Jo shouted and went down the car behind the jock. Meanwhile a small man sneaked near the back door and open it.

"Ella, it's me. Come while they're distracted with Justin and the others," whispered Cody.

Ella looked at him, and she thought how prince-like he seemed in this whole situation. The singer quickly moved to the door and tried to go down as silently as possible.

"You called The Lightning, smart guy, so here I am," said Lightning while kicking the van, "Come down here, you coward, so Lightning can teach you some manners."

Jo facepalmed, they don't have time for these games, but just then, from the corner of her eye, she saw her prize going down of the car.

"Look Imbecile! Sleeping beauty is escaping! Don't let her go!" said Jo running after Cody and Ella.

"What-" but before Lightning could react, Duncan jumped over him from the car, punching him on the temple and knocking him down.

The delinquent doesn't let him catch his breath. He went over the jock on the ground and hit him in the face repeatedly. In juvie, he learned that to win against someone stronger than you, you have to hit first and hit hard.

But suddenly, Lightning punched Duncan in the face with such strength he was thrown away and slammed against the van. The delinquent nose started bleeding from both nostrils. Lightning stood up with his face all bruised, but he was smirking.

"Yuch weakling," Lightning said, then spat blood and a tooth, "Lightning will make you pay for this."

Duncan was still dizzy after the hit. How strong was that jock? But before he could stand up, two persons got in front of him, covering the delinquent from Lightning.

"I can't' believe I'm risking my face to protect you," said Justin, putting his fist in front of his face to protect it.

In front of the male model was B, scowling at the athlete.

"Really, another two? You would need at least sha-eight more to stand a chance against Lightning," said Lightning flexing, he was really like a real-life hulk, "but give me the punk, and I'll let you go."

B shocked his head and then called Lightning with his hand, like in a kung fu movie.

Lightning began to laugh, "Really, fatso? Do you think YOU can fight against the Lightning? I will put you in a liquid diet," he said before charging against the silent man.

Then a pain-filled shriek was heard. Lightning began to convulse and spam. After a moment, he stopped, his eyes white, whispering, "that wasss unfair," before falling unconscious to the ground.

B looked coldly at him, with his home-made taser on his right hand, still buzzing after shocking the jock.

"Remind me to never make you angry, Bumblebee," said Duncan, covering his nose to not spill more blood.

The silent man just winked and made a thumb up at the delinquent. Then both began to run after Jo, as Justin jumped into the van to get it ready to go to the TDB.

Meanwhile, Cody was running with Ella as Jo was chasing them. It was obvious they couldn't outrun her.

"Ella keep running. I'll stop her," said Cody, his voice trembling.

"But Cody-" Ella tried to reason with him, but Cody stopped and opened his arms, blocking the jockette path.

"Move it or lose it, nerd," shout Jo throwing a fist against Cody.

The geek closed his eyes and heard the sound of flesh against flesh, but surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as he thought.

When Cody opened his eyes, a woman in a blue gym suit was standing between him and Jo, grabbing Jo's fist.

"If you want them, you'll have to pass over me," said Eva in a stern tone, pushing Jo's fist away.

"Who the hell are you unibrow? Some kind of good Samaritan?" said Jo scowling back at the European girl.

"I'm her friend and her fan. Do I need another reason?" Replied Eva raising her head, "now get lost. Or even better, make my day and punch me, so I can defend myself," she then leaned toward Jo and slapped her own cheek two times.

Jo's veins began to pulse all around her neck and face, "you arrogant gorilla," and punched Eva in the face. Cody and Ella winced at the strong 'thuck' sound from the impact.

Eva turned, half of her face purple by the hit, and chuckled, "Well, I was wrong. You're stronger than I thought."

Jo didn't want to engage in useless conversation, so she threw another punch against Eva. But in an instant, Jo hit in the ground, and the world became black for her.

What Jo felt were different from what Cody and Ella saw. As Jo threw her second punch against Eva, their friend twirled her body and kicked Jo in the side of the head with the quickest roundhouse kick they have seen. The jockette head hit and bound against the ground, passing out immediately.

"Wow, what was that?" said Cody, shocked.

"Kickboxing, I can train you if you want," said Eva, trying to smile, but half of her mouth swelled.

"Better not, I would probably die," said Cody, chuckling.

"Hey, are you ok?" shouted Duncan, he and B running as fast as they could.

"B, Duncan, yes we are alright, Cody saved me, and Eva saved Cody. It was so scary," said Ella smiling, but she couldn't stop shuddering.

Duncan hugged her. Cody looked at him with wide eyes. He was just a second quicker than him.

"It's alright, Fairy Princess, you're ok now," said Duncan, holding her tightly.

"But, Duncan, you're hurt!" Said Ella, taking out a handkerchief and cleaning the blood from his face.

"It's only a scratch. Forget about it," Duncan lied, but they didn't have time to waste, "now let's go. We have more asses to kick."

"You go first, I'll stay here," said Eva, picking up the unconscious Jo, "someone had to stay behind to wait for the police and explain what happened."

"But Eva-" Cody tried to change her mind, but Eva had made her decision.

"STOP WASTING TIME AND GO, GET THAT PLACE ON THE FINALS SO I CAN CHEER FOR YOU," shouted Eva, glaring at them.

B nodded, snapped his fingers, and made a single finger gun at her before going. Duncan got away from Ella. The singer then jumped and hugged Eva strongly before following her bandmates.

"Thanks for saving us, Eva. You were like a princess on shining armor," said Ella, smiling tenderly.

"Stop doing that and go. Justin is waiting for all of you," said Eva smiling awkwardly. It's been ages since someone called her princess and the first time it wasn't her father.

The band ran toward the van, Justin gesturing them to hurry up.

"Devil's Muse's already playing. We have to go now," shouted Justin.

The four members of Black unicorn jumped into the van as Justin speed up down the road.

"You'll not ask what happened to your lovebird?" Duncan told Justin to mock him, but also because he was nervous and needed to let some steam off.

"She already texted me, you jerk, and I don't throw you out of the van because I want to see Ella, Cody, and Trent on the final. Ah! And you too big mute guy," said Justin looking at B from the rear mirror.

B gave the model a thumb up but was frowning. Does he really didn't remember B name? They even talked at their victory party just the other day, well, not exactly talked, but they were drinking together.

As they talked, Cody had an idea, a great IDEA for the show.

"By the way, guys, listen to me. We can take advantage of this problem in the show." He didn't mention that it would be useless if they didn't arrive on time because Cody was sure they'll make it.


Back in the TDB, Don walked into the aisle to talk with Trent. He was followed by two persons, the same two that Trent saw in the elevator the last week, Kelly Thomson and Jose Burromuerto.

"Sorry Trent, as your group isn't here, you're eliminated from the War of the Bands," said Don with a solemn tone.


[1] For this performance, I use as inspiration How You Remind Me Live Home 2006 Live and the cover by Avril Lavigne. Both versions are quite good, but there is something in the live versions that I enjoy more. If there was an Avril life version.


It seems that all is over for our band. Is there a glimpse of hope? Or will H-tonics and Devil's Muse fight at the final? Find out in the next chapter of War of the Bands.

This chapter is one of my most different because I tried to write some action scenes. I try to give them a real feeling but keeping them cartoonish. I hope you enjoy them. Any feedback will be appreciated.

And as always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it