DISCLAIMER:

Greetings. Chapter 38 released. The final of the War of the bands is coming closer, but before the big day, Black Unicorn and H-Tonics need to work together in a joint performance. What will happen? Can the two bands work together, or will there be more drama before the final? Find out next here on War of the Bands.

And as always, remember to Review the story. That way, I can know if you like it so far and improve this one and future stories. Or if reviewing is not your thing, at least mark it as a favorite. Now let me answer last week's reviews.

Danicus Green: The problem is more like a sum of things. Duncan constantly goes to the shelter and annoy her and, more important, annoy the animals. So she really has him in her small no list. Especially when talking about dating a pure girl like Ella.

Total Simaniac: I'm glad you like the story so far, and yes, there are a lot of songs from all times, So I am sure you will also enjoy different chapters until this one.

Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, Corus Corporation, their creators, and associates companies. Any song used on this fic belongs to their original creators.


Know your enemy

It was Monday, the fateful day in which the Black Unicorn will meet with H-tonics on their house/studio. They have to choose the songs they'll play this Friday, record the interviews, and be filmed rehearsing together.

Excitement, nervousness, or irritation, each member of the Unicorns entered the building with a different mix of those emotions. This will be a long day.

Harold and Heather were the ones to welcome them. H-bomb seemed happy, but the Queen Bee looked at them with contempt in her icy gray eyes.

"Trent, Cody, and rest of the Black Unicorn, welcome to my humble house, Queen's Park, the wicked base of H-tonics. It's a little fancy, but our sponsors insisted on giving us the best equipment to make the most of our mad skills," said Harold walking and shaking hands with Trent and hugging Cody.

"Hi Harold, hi Heather. We see each other all weeks, but it feels we haven't talked since forever," said Cody, trying to be polite.

Heather rolled her eyes. "Of course not, we're enemies! I can't believe production is forcing us to perform together. This is ridiculous."

"Miss Heather, do not say those sad things. We are not enemies. And I believe it is a wonderful opportunity to know each other better, as fellow musicians. And we will have a lot of fun playing together," said Ella with a tender smile.

"Oh ple-e-ease, drop the good girl act, I'll not fall for that one," said the Queen Bee, frowning at the Faery Princess.

Ella tilted her head, not sure what Heather was saying, but tried to be polite. "Oh, I am sorry Miss Heather. I am not carrying any act, but do not worry, if you fall, I will help you stand up again."

"Are you making fun of me, Cinderella wannabe?" Said Heather scowling.

"Hearther, please control yourself. We have to work together," said Harold trying to stop the argument.

"Do not worry Mister Harold. I am not making fun of your girlfriend, and I am sorry if something I said offended you. Also, I prefer to be called Snowhite over Cinderella. See, I even use the same hairstyle as Snowwhite," said Ella, making a curtsy and showing the top of her head to Heather.

"Ugh, stop talking to me," said Heather storming out of the room.

"The stress of the competition must be getting her, Gosh!, sometimes she is too much to handle. Don't worry about her. She'll be fine after a while," said Harold, sighing, "now follow me, lady and gentlemen, I'll show you the way to the studio."

"Hey, nerd! You seem too polite after being the one that left his former band to form a freaking chorus," said Duncan looking at Harold with disdain.

"Duncan, please," said Trent, narrowing his eyes at the delinquent.

"Don't worry Trent," said Harold, raising a hand. "And Duncan, I have professional differences with Cody and Trent, but even if we no longer perform together, this time apart made me realize that there is no reason to be enemies. In fact, I consider them some of my best friends, and I'm happy to perform with and against them in this competition," said Harold adjusting his glasses.

"But you're not my friend, Duncan, and not even my acquaintance. So if you want to pick a fight with me or insult my friends or bandmates. I will have to show you that my mad skills are not only beatboxing or singing, and I'll have to kick your ass," said Harold, taking a karate-like stance.

Duncan blinked a couple of times, crooked his head, and blinked again, finally bursting on laughs.

"Hahaha, are you serious? If you're as thin as Ella! Are you really picking a fight with me?" Said the delinquent, straighten up to look Harold in the eyes.

B and Cody prepare themselves to stop the fight, but someone was faster than them.

"I can not believe you are behaving so rudely with our host, Duncan. I know you have your temperament, but right now, you are acting like a villain, and that is not right," said Ella, putting her hands on her hips and scowling at the delinquent.

"Oh C'mon fairy princess you are-"

"Sans excuses," said Ella in a mad tone interrupting Duncan.

"You're not being ser-"

"Non," Ella interrupted him one again.

"Will you let me tal-"

"Présenter des excuses à Monsieur Harold[1]," Ella interrupted him once again, pouting.

"Duncan, you have been Frenched by Ella, is better if you just apologize," said Cody with a mocking smile.

"Ok, I'm sorry, nerd. I'll be on my best behavior, happy Fairy princess?" said Duncan in a monotonous tone.

"Of course I am happy. It is always better when we are all friends," said Ella with a tender smile.

Harold dropped his fighting stance and scratched his head, not sure of what just happened, "as I was saying, follow me. I will introduce you to the rest of the band."


In the studio were Max, Mike, and Beardo. The three looked with suspicion at the Black unicorn members. Beardo was wearing a white t-shirt with suspenders and black pants, Max was in a white jumpsuit, and Mike in green cargo pants barechested.

"Let me introduce you to my boys. You already know their names from the show, but I'll introduce them anyway because that is one of the golden rules in the manual of good manners of the Muskrats Boys, which I have the honor of being a member on my youth," said Harold, gesturing his bandmates to come closer.

"The big guy with the Afro is Beardo, a genius beatboxer and the guitar on our a capella group. But he would also make the more complex beatbox effects when needed," said Harold while fist-bumping the guy.

"Hello, Hello, Hello," said Beardo, imitating an old pull-string doll.

"Oh my goodness, that was a fantastic imitation," said Ella, her eyes sparkling.

Beardo blushed and rubbed his neck, with a big grin over his face.

"I think it was creepy as heck," whispered Cody to Trent, who nodded, looking at Beardo with wide eyes.

"The small guy is Max. He's the drummer of the band and our resident evil villain. He's a little eccentric, but even if he complains a lot, he does his part and makes some rad beats," explained Harold, pointing at him with his thumb.

"H-Bomb, I don't understand why you waste your time introducing us to the likes of them. Also, you use my old name instead of my real personality, the DR. E-VIL. Q-Bee will be angry when she finds out you have been using our old names," said Max looking down at the Black unicorn.

Trent gazed at him with a deadpan expression. "I can't believe it. He has a mouth bigger than Duncan, our resident evil villain."

"Very funny Elvis, very funny," said Duncan, hating the idea that he's the Max of the Black Unicorn.

"Max, can you try to be more polite, Gosh! And about the name thing, it's a publicity stunt. We don't need to do it with friends and acquaintances." Harold sighed and introduced the last member of H-tonics.

Harold patted the barechested man's shoulder. "And this guy is the bass of the group, a former youtube personality from Calgary. With some training, he can become as good at beatboxing as Beardo or me. His name is Vito."

"Eh? Are you high? His name is Mike," said Duncan scowling, the Black Unicorns seemed confused, but H-tonics instead looked at each other with an awkward expression on their faces.

Max began to complain in a loud voice, "So if they already know, why Q-Bee was so adamant in trying to keep a secret the Circumstances of Mike? I swear that your woman is-"

"What are you saying Dr. E-vil?" Heather interrupted him, entering the room and scowling, "I couldn't hear what you said."

"I was just saying H-Bomb that I swear you're kind, generous, and beautiful," said Max, rubbing his hands nervously.

"That's a lie, woman, what we were talking about is that the punk is a friend of Mike. But he's not in the front right now. My name is Vito, and I'm the Rockstar here," said Vito, smacking himself in the chest lightly.

"Eh? Sorry I don't understand exactly what you are talking about," said Cody. All the Black Unicorn members were as confused as him.

Heather rolled her eyes and gave Vito a Tank top, "Vito put this, is easier if Mike explains what is happening."

"Just when I was having fun, well, call me for the rehearsal," said Vito, winking at Ella before putting on the tank top.

Vito gasped as he put on the shirt, his slim back hair became spiky, and his smug expression relaxed into a softer and kinder one.

"Eh!? Duncan, and the rest of the Black Unicorn? Heather didn't you say that Vito would be on charge during all the practice?" said Mike confused, but happy for the chance to hang out with the Unicorns.

"IT'S Q-BEE, The Circumstance, and we have a change of plans. So you'll be here and explain your famous circumstance," said Heather. The practice had just started, and she already had a headache.

Mike rubbed his arm nervously. "Oh, just like this? It's a little awkward, I mean, first impressions are important, and I don't want these guys to think I'm just-"

"If you don't feel like sharing it with us right now, we can talk about it later," said Ella with a tender smile, and then looked at the rest of the band. " Meanwhile, let us get started. Why do not we work in pairs? So we can know each other better?" she clapped excitedly at her idea, and even if Heather and Max protested, the bands ended working together in pairs.

Some members choose with whom they wanted to work, and the leftovers choose between them.


Ella was looking around the room. It was so different from Cody's basement. It was more professional, but at the same time, it felt colder. She was now more happy with their basement. For the day, she was paired with Beardo, who was blushing all the time.

"And tell me, I should call you Mr. Beardo or Mr. B-rdo. Mmmh? Now that I say both aloud, they sound the same," said Ella putting a thoughtful face.

Beardo makes the sound of a bell. It was his way to show he agrees with her.

"Hehehe, it is amusing how you make those sounds, but you can also talk to me if you want. Or maybe you are like B, and you only talk when you feel like it?" said Ella tenderly.

Beardo began to twiddling his finger, making the sound of a silly and ashamed laugh, like the one of Disney's Goofy.

"Oh, you are shy, do not worry, my friend. I was also shy in my youth, but I learn a trick to overcome the shyness, and that is to sing," said Ella in an excited voice.

Beardo stood there, blinking, and look at her, confused. Not only about the singing part but also the part about her youth.

"Yes, my friend, my mamie[1] taught me that it is easier to break the ice with a song. Just hear me," then Ella began to sing a song about meeting people.

Beardo smiled. It was a silly song, but it was full of sentiment. The human beatbox already knew about Ella's talent, but he never imagined that she was such a kind and nice girl. It will be fun to perform with her.


After the bands, at last, choose the song to perform together, Max and B had to work together on how they will make the arrangements for the drums.

"I can't believe I, DR. E-VIL, is paired with the more unknown and least talented of the Black Unicorn," said Max the last part in a mocking voice.

B rolled his eyes. He should have chosen the Asian girl. Even if she was mean spirited, she wasn't as loud as this Dr. Evil or whatever.

"So pay attention, Big Oaf, because I don't want mistakes on my performance. I'm the genius here, so YOU should only do as I say," exclaimed Max pointing a finger at the taller silent man.

But B ignored Max and sat at the drums, practicing the tune they must play. The drums were of high quality and surely expensive. Why an a capella group needs expensive drums?

"Are you hearing me, you idiotic meatball? I know you can talk. I hear you last Friday on the stage. So stop feigning and answer me. Will you follow my orders or you will dare to oppose me?" said Max in a louder voice, veins appearing on his neck.

The drummer glared at him, he could ignore his ranting, but MEATBALL, did the gnome had the nerve to call him MEATBALL? B stood up and gave a death glare to Max, which blanched and stepped back.

"We- Well, if you prefer, you could perform, and I will only make corrections, I mean suggestions, to improve our performance if you don't mind, yes?" Max's tone was much more docile and polite than before.

B went back to the drums. This rehearsal will be a long one.


After the rehearsal, the production team come and film the scenes they will use in the show. Then they began to interview each member of both bands, so they have a chance to rest until it was their turn. Duncan used this time to at last address Mike's problem.

"So tell me, is this Vito thing the reason why you left Zoey?" asked Duncan while drinking some water. They were sitting in a corner waiting for their turn to be interviewed.

"Yes, sorry for not telling you early. I suffer from Multiple personality disorder[2]. When I undergo a specific trigger, a distinct identity will control my body, with their own personality and memories. While they are in control, I'm unaware of what is happening. Thanks to this situation, I have many problems making friends," explained Mike looking depressed at the ground.

Duncan gazed at him, raising an extreme of his unibrow. "And you're afraid that Zoey learns about this and leaves you?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that. Zoey knows about my condition. In fact, she had been helping me controlling the triggers that bring my personalities out, but…" said Mike, sighing as if he was afraid of continuing his sentence.

"But what? C'mon man, you have a pretty gal waiting for you. At least give me your reason for leaving her alone," said Duncan. He wasn't good at listening to others.

Mike smiled sadly. "But Vito is better at beatboxing than me. In one of the practices, Vito came out, and he's a genius. If he's out there, we can win, so we decide to use Vito in the competition."

"Are you serious? Did those bastards force you to do that?" asked Duncan crushing the plastic bottle in his hand. He knew that Heather was a harpy, but this was crossing the line.

"No, no, the idea was mine. I wanted to help Heather and the rest win the competition after they trusted me and gave me a place in the band. But Zoey hates the idea of using my alters. She's afraid one day I'll not come back, so…" Mike then stood silent again, searching for the strength to continue.

"So you leave her behind? That is a fucked up and cruel decision, man," said Duncan, standing up. "It's not my business, but if you're going to do this, break with her. It's not fair for her or you staying like this."

"But I love her," said Mike with a pained expression. Just then, the interviewer called Duncan.

"That's bullshit. The only reason I don't kick your ass right now is that Zoey would be sad. But you're the worst man. If you love her, call her and explain everything, tell her that Vito is the one that will perform. And let her decide if she stays with you or not. See ya," said the delinquent, going to the interview.

Mike stood there. He was harsh, but Duncan was right. It wasn't fair for Zoey. He should make a decision.


After the interviews, there was more practice, during all the day, Heather and Cody almost didn't talk.

"You should be cursing your luck to be paired with me," said Heather looking with contempt at the brunette guy.

"No, in fact, I choose you as my pair. There is something I wanted to ask you," said Cody. He had doubts about asking her, but he needed to know her answer.

"Ask if you want, I'll answer if I feel like answering," said Heather rolling her eyes.

"Do you really like Harold?" Cody asked in a serious and sad tone.

Heather blushed and smacked him in the back of the head, "what kind of question is that? You're supposed to be a ladies' man. You should know better than you can't ask anything like that."

Cody rubbed the back of his head with a pained expression. "I'm serious. When you appeared, you insisted that Harold would be more successful without us and began dating him. Some say it was only because you wanted to take advantage of his talent."

"I know, I'm used to hearing people badmouthing me, so?" replied Heather, glaring at the brunette guy.

"I think they were wrong. I think that at first, you wanted to take advantage of him, but after knowing Harold better, you fell for him. Or at least I want to think that. I want to think you break our band apart because you love him and not because you were using him," said Cody, his eyes fixed on hers.

Heather looked back at him, her eyes cold as ice. "And you expect me to answer you?"

"No, you already did it," answered Cody. After all this time, he had his answer.

Heather doesn't say anything else, and they continue rehearsing in silence, both of them grateful to the other, even if none of them would ever admit it.


The day was ending, the production team had left, and the rehearsal was over. They would meet the Wednesday again, and then the day of the final.

Harold and Trent worked well all day, but now, while the others finished and said their farewells, they needed to end an old conversation.

"This Friday, we'll know the answer at last, who was right and who was wrong," said Trent looking at his old friend and smiling.

"Yes, if it was best to focus on beatboxing or keep playing instruments," said Harold, remembering the last argument before splitting up.

Trent sighed with a pained expression. "You know, you were right. After Gwen and I break up, I lost my focus and my muse. My songs weren't as good as before."

"And then you met Ella, and she became your muse. Gosh Trent, you're such a simple man," said Harold making a mocking smile.

"Yep, you're right again, so I want to say I'm sorry, you were right. I should have talked with you if I was in the dumps instead of feigning that nothing happened," said Trent smiling again.

Harold also smiled. This time it was an authentic smile. "Don't worry man, I also had to apologize. After leaving the band and starting H-tonics, I began to understand what you mean. It isn't easy to make music with others, and you weren't holding me back. I was conceited, but fortunately, Heather and Beardo were at my side, and here we are now."

"A capella or instruments, let the best band win, my friend," said Trent offering a fist to Harold.

"I already told you the first day of the competition that we would be the final two," said Harold, bumping fist with Trent.

The practice ended, and the ten musicians went their separate ways. All have different thoughts and impressions on the practice. Some were full of doubts, some were free of their inner demons, and some renew their determination. But they all agree on one thing that this Friday, they'll meet the hardest challenge of the competition.


[1] Ella translations:

Sans excuses – No excuses

Non - No

Présenter des excuses à Monsieur Harold – Apologize with mister Harold

Mamie – Grandma

[2] Mike's illness is described in the series as a Multiple personality Disorder that's an old name for Dissociative Identity Disorder. Mike's representation of the disorder is inaccurate and exaggerated. So at least for this story, I decide to use the old name.


Now everything is ready and the last day of the competition is almost here. But there is time before the fated episode. Are the Black Unicorn members ready for the final? Find out next in War of the Bands.

I felt that even if H-tonics was around all the series, there was never the chance to introduce them properly. So this chapter was a small fanservice episode for them. I hope you enjoy it.

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