Total Drama Voyage Chapter 8: West End Story, a total drama series fanfic

Guidingkey123: Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!

MarkLevins: Yeah, I had a lot of fun writing Geoff's interactions with the twins. And I'm happy you enjoyed the Sky bit. She was never meant to get that far, but elimination wasn't the end of her arc just yet.

amit: Because of the space on the couches being somewhat limited based off the Aftermaths, and for the sake of writing, I limited the amount of guests in the Peanut Gallery. Didn't really have much for Rodney and Beardo if they were in the Peanut Gallery, so they were among the many who were cut.

So sorry for the wait guys. The last coupe months have been a roller coaster for me. Anyway, it's back to the challenges. Hope you guys enjoy!

The camera shown Chris inside the dining room of the S.S McLean. "Last time on Total Drama Voyage. Teams were woken up at the crack of dawn and told to sit in chairs without having a bite to eat for the entire challenge. Naturally, it led to them to be in a pretty sour mood." Footage is shown of the contestants sitting in the circle of chairs, stomachs held in pain. "Didn't help that Heather, Alejandro, and Scott fanned the flames." A clip of Heather and Alejandro shaking hands is shown, followed by Scott talking with Bridgette and Leshawna in the indoor garden.

"Some contestants snapped at others for their behavior." A clip of Gwen and Emma arguing is shown followed by Duncan and Bridgette arguing. "And other contestants wereyou shown to have been going through a bit of a rough patch of their own." A clip of Zoey and Mike awkwardly talking with each other in the dining room is shown.

"Things culminated when Gwen fell overboard, leading Duncan and Owen to save her. Unfortunately, Owen got massively mauled by Fang, leading to his elimination." Footage of Gwen falling into the sea and Duncan and Owen swimming in the ocean to save her is shown. It's followed by Fang swimming towards Duncan and Owen getting in the way of the bite. Finally, a clip is played of Owen saying goodbye to the other contestants and getting on The Boat of Losers.

"Aren't you forgetting something Chris?" Chef asked. The camera shown Chef walk up to Chris, who was eating lobster.

"What are you talking about?" Chris asked.

Footage played of Chris walking on the dock with a Gemmie in hand, followed by a clip of an intern giving Chris a letter. "Lupin! That guy made us spend a ton of money to buy back that Gemmie he stole. And he left a letter saying that he's gonna steal the yacht!"

The camera cut back to Chris and Chef. "Please. We're miles away from Paris. We're in the clear."

"If you say so." Chef walked off.

Chris turned to the camera. "What challenge awaits our sailors next? Find out right here on Total! Drama! Voyage!"

It was around noon, two days after the previous challenge. Emma was walking towards the kitchen of the Shortcakes' cabin cruiser before suddenly stopping. Gwen was there, looking in the fridge.

"Hey Gwen..." Emma awkwardly said.

Gwen turned around. "What is it Emma?"

"Well, I was just going to make myself lunch. But since we're here-"

"Go nuts." Gwen grabbed a sandwich from the fridge and walked away, going in one of the bedrooms.

The camera panned slightly, showing Brody, Kitty, Trent, and Dawn in the living room a couple meters away. "Awkward." Kitty said.

(Confessional: Emma)

"Gwen blames me for what happened to Owen. Which...yeah, I can't exactly argue against. I tried to apologize, but hey, if she won't accept, so be it." Emma shrugged and crossed her arms. "As long as she doesn't get in the way of our team, no skin off my back." Emma's eyes wavered a bit.

The camera cut to the Blades' cabin cruiser. Duncan was lying in bed, twirling his knife around. He wasn't sure if he could spend much longer in the Cabin Cruiser. It's not that it was a bad place to stay in. It was far nicer than the crappy cabins on Wawanakwa, or the Loser Class in the Jumbo Jet. But there was pretty much nothing to do on it. There was a small living room, two smaller bedrooms, a bathroom, and that was it. At least with Wawanakwa or the film lot from Action, they were big enough to offer a ton of ways to kill time in between challenges.

Suddenly, Duncan heard a knock on the door. "It's open." He said.

The door opened up, Zoey walking in. "Hey Duncan."

The delinquent rose up. "What's up Zoey?"

Zoey closed the door. "It cool if I talk with you about something?"

"Look, we're cool and all, but I'm not telling you what I shared with Owen, Gwen, and Heather back when we were stranded."

"What? No. I wanted to ask for some relationship advice."

Duncan raised his unibrow. "You sure there isn't anyone else you wanna ask for advice about that? Like...literally anyone else?"

"Well, Bridgette and Leshawna have been pretty busy hanging out with Scott recently, and I'm not sure if I should ask DJ when he's busy recovering."

"Ah. So I was a last resort."

Zoey widened her eyes. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to-"

Duncan chuckled. "Ease up red. I'm kidding. Go ahead, I got nothing to do."

Zoey sat next to Duncan. "So like, things between me and Mike have been kinda weird recently. It's not like we have any problems with each other. Well, I don't think he has any problems with me at least. But I feel like we haven't really been clicking recently, you know? I thought going on a date in Paris might solve that, but neither of us really knew what to do. We just made some small talk."

"I get it. There's no more spark, right?"

"Yeah. I mean, I still really like him. I just want to know how to keep the spark alive, you know?"

Duncan twirled his knife around for a little while. "When was the last time you got in a fight with Mike?"

"What?"

"My relationship with Courtney was a ton of things. But it was never boring. We argued a ton, kissed seconds afterwards. We got back together twice that way."

"That sounds...really unhealthy."

"Just make sure whatever you're arguing about isn't a big deal so that neither of you actually get hurt. Pester him to get a haircut or something."

Zoey shook her head. "I'm not going to intentionally start a fight just to make my relationship more interesting."

"Really? You and I are very different."

The camera panned to the other side of the door. Scott was holding a glass on the door, listening in.

"Umm...hello?" Leshawna asked. She and Bridgette were sitting in couches in the living room. "You said we were gonna talk strategy?"

Scott put his ear off the door and walked up to the two. "Don't worry. I was gathering intel."

"So, eavesdropping." Bridgette said.

Scott sat down on a couch. "Hey, know thy enemy. Besides, you hosted a show that was literally all about gathering dirt on people."

Bridgette opened her mouth, but realized she didn't have a retort. "Continue."

"Zoey's having relationship troubles with Mike, and evidently, she doesn't think Duncan is much help. That's when you come in Bridgette."

"Help Zoey fix her relationship with Mike, and we win her over from Duncan." Leshawna realized.

"Makes sense. Still, I don't know...should we really be gunning for Duncan? Yeah, he's mean, but it's not like he's Heather or Alejandro." Bridgette said. "Plus, he saved Gwen's life."

"Girl's got a point. He's a jerk and all, but turkey legs is far from our biggest problem."

"I get what you guys are saying, but think about it. Duncan controls over half the votes right now. If we don't get Zoey and DJ on our side, we'll be going home." Scott argued.

"Well, we just have to try and avoid last place until merge." Leshawna said.

"And we won't have to worry about sabotage, right Scott?" Bridgette asked.

Evidently, Bridgette still had her suspicions of Scott. "We aren't even close to being halfway through the contestants. Merge ain't happening anytime soon." Scott replied. "We'll still have like, what, at least seven more challenges before the merge? Can we really keep avoiding last place for that long?"

Leshawna shrugged. "Makes sense to me."

"I guess..." Bridgette said.

(Confessional: Bridgette)

"I know that Scott's really sketchy, but he makes a good point. And it's not like I can be sure if he sabotaged our team or anything. He helped us get second in the circus challenge after all. Besides, as long as I hold up my end of the deal to help him talk with Courtney, I'm sure it'll stop him from trying to sabotage our team."

The camera cut to the S.S McLean. Heather was currently relaxing in the jacuzzi tub on the top deck. "This is the life." Heather said, closing her eyes.

"Mind if join you?"

Heather opened her eyes and saw her boyfriend in swimming trunks. "What do you want?"

Alejandro entered the jacuzzi. "Seeing as how we won the last challenge for our team, I was hoping for us to call a ceasefire for now."

"Oh, so I remind the others about how awful you are, then you want to backpedal from trying to betray me?"

Alejandro frowned. "What, and you never betrayed me? I guess Drumheller never happened."

"That was before we started dating. Not to mention that it was during the merge. You on the other hand are trying to get me voted off for no reason other than you wanting to be the leader instead of me. Don't pretend we're on the same level."

"You know as well as I do that you'd be doing the same thing if the positions were switched."

"For your information, I... ah, forget it." Heather decided.

Alejandro raised an eyebrow but decided to get back on topic. "Listen Heather, the two of us make a great team. Remember how we eliminated Duncan together? Or Owen? Just because we're enemies doesn't mean we can't join forces from time to time."

Heather just gave an exhausted sigh. "Whatever." Before Alejandro could respond, she stepped out of the jacuzzi and stomped away.

(Confessional: Alejandro)

"Odd. Me and Heather offered truces to each other all the time, be it genuine, or just attempts to manipulate the other. But Heather never reacted like that before."

The camera cut to about two hours later. All the teams were gathered on the top deck. "Alright sailors. Just like before, we're gonna be holding two challenges at our next destination. London, England!"

On cue, the contestants saw a large clock tower on the horizon. Big Ben.

"Great. Now even if my team completes the challenge, you'll declare us the losers anyway." Noah said.

Chris ignored Noah. "Hope you took care of your throats kids, because you'll be singing in Broadway! Well...London's equivalent of it anyway. West End theatre!"

Duncan turned to Zoey. "Alright, you'll be leading the Blades now."

"What are you talking about?" Scott asked.

"I meant what I said about having to sing this season. Later losers!" The delinquent began to walk towards the edge of the ship.

"Duncan!" Zoey ran after Duncan.

"Oh no you don't, turkey legs!" Leshawna yelled, running after Duncan as well.

"Well, looks like last place has already been decided." Heather said.

"Relax McQuitty Pants. It won't necessarily be you doing the singing." Chris told Duncan.

Duncan was struggling to move forward as Zoey and Leshawna held him back before he heard what Chris said. "Wait, for real?"

"There will be a musical number, but only one person is required to sing."

Duncan, Noah, and Heather were all relieved upon hearing that. Zoey and Leshawna let go of Duncan. "This is so cool! I love theatre!" Zoey exclaimed.

"So, we can just have the scene be about whatever we want so long as there's a song?" Noah asked.

"Not quite." Chris answered. "See, I've looked back on Total Drama Action, and was shocked that such a massive genre never had a challenge for itself. Any guesses for what it was?"

"Gangster?" Duncan asked skeptically.

"No."

"Biographical?" Harold wondered.

"No."

"Pirate?" DJ guessed.

Chris frowned. "That was part of Episode 25."

"Coming of age?" Zoey guessed.

"Way too specific."

"Documentary?" Gwen asked with a smirk.

"Why?"

"Mockumentary?" Noah joked.

"Ok, you kids are doing this on purpose! It's romance. We're doing romance."

"Great. Musicals and romance. Two of the lamest genres combined in one." Duncan said.

The camera cut to the contestants inside a lavish, empty auditorium.

"Welcome to the Palace Theatre. Here's the deal. Basically, each of the teams will write out and perform a romantic scene, said scene containing a musical number. Best scene wins, while the team with the worst scene sends somebody home. You can have as little as two actors, or have your whole team perform." Chris explained. "We were planning on doing this in Paris to fit the romance theme, but London had better options for theatres to rent out."

"Dibs on writing the scene!" Sierra yelled.

"Naturally, I'll be the stage director for my team." Heather said.

"You sure? It'll be hard to be the stage director and leading lady." Chris said.

"Wait, what?" Mike asked.

"Did I forget to mention it? Team Leaders have to be acting as one of the lovebirds. Every other role is up to choice. And of course, it wouldn't be a satisfying romance if there wasn't any kissing."

Noah shrugged at this and put an arm around Emma. Heather took a look at Alejandro, who was grinning at her, and rolled her eyes. Duncan groaned. Being forced to act in a mushy scene with a musical number? Of course Chris would put him through that.

"Don't think that the acting itself will be the only important part though. The construction of the set, the lighting, the music. All can be factors that decide the outcome." Chris said. "Now, I know that not all of you are musically gifted, so if you want, each team can have a maximum of two interns to help with the music, and one intern to operate the effects. But that's it. Any more instrumentalists will need to be filled by the team. Singing and acting is also completely on you guys. Now, since we're only having you guys perform one scene, don't worry about whether or not it tells the whole story on it's own. You can have it so that there's some off-screen details to the story so long as the scene itself is good."

"So, question. How will all teams have time to set up their sets in one night? There's only one stage." Trent pointed out.

"Relax. We're in London's equivalent of Broadway. This street alone has, like five theatres. We rented out three of them." Chris said. He then reached into his pockets and got out two maps. "Let's see. Team Heather, you guys can take the one we're in right now. The Strawberry Shortcakes can take the Apollo Theatre and the Blades will take Lyric Theatre." Chris tossed the maps to Noah and Duncan, both catching them.

"So, what will be the order of performance?" Dawn asked.

Chris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Heather, since your team won last challenge, you decide the order. Going second or third will give you a bit more time to prepare while teams before you are performing. But going first means you won't have to worry about the enemy teams trying to sabotage you during your performance."

"Wait, you allow that?" Emma asked.

"As long as you guys don't get caught."

"My team will go second. The Shortcakes will go first, the Blades will be last." Heather decided.

(Confessional: Heather)

"Trent's a skilled musician, so the smart move was to give his team as little time to prepare as possible. But I chose for us to go second instead of last since that might let me find a way to mess up with the Blades' performance."

"So, how much time do we have?" Kitty asked.

"You have until 8:00 PM tonight. It's a rush job, but that should give you enough time to-"

"Done writing the scene!" Sierra interrupted. She closed a notebook that she was writing in.

"How did she...?" Trent began to ask.

(Confessional: Sierra)

"I've written literally thousands of romance fanfiction for Total Drama websites. And almost half of the ones I wrote weren't even about Cody. I can start and finish about a dozen in one day. So writing a single scene? That's nothing."

The camera cut to the Blades in the auditorium of the Lyric Theatre. DJ volunteered to write the scene, and was currently writing an outline on sheets of paper while sitting in a chair. The rest of the Blades were in debate.

"Uh-uh. No way am I playing the other lead." Leshawna said.

"I'm sure you'd do a great job at it." Zoey said.

"Oh, girl I have no doubt about that. My booty is meant for the stage. But I don't wanna be forced to kiss nobody."

"You aren't exactly my first choice either." Duncan replied.

"Leshawna, it's down to you or Scott." Bridgette said. "DJ's still injured, and me and Zoey have boyfriends."

"Noah's dating Emma, and Heather's dating Alejandro, so they probably already decided who'll be playing the leads by now." Zoey predicted. "We have to decide quickly."

Leshawna groaned and turned to Scott. "Rock paper scissors to decide?"

Scott rose his hands upwards. "Come on guys, you're thinking about this the wrong way. Do you know how many actors had to kiss people they just met, even if they were dating or married to someone else?"

"I mean...you have a point, but..." Bridgette said.

"It would make the most sense for the person with the most experience with theatre to be the other lead."

Without explicitly saying it, Scott placed his idea in everybody's mind. Bridgette turned to Zoey. "Zoey, are you ok with it?"

"Oh yeah. Theatre is one of your hobbies, right? I completely forgot about that." Scott lied. "This works out great for us. You'd be our best bet."

Zoey rubbed her arm awkwardly. "Well...I know it's just a stage kiss, but I dunno...I'm not sure how Mike would feel."

Duncan shrugged and turned to Scott. "I don't exactly want to do this, but it looks like it's either you or Leshawna."

"You're surprisingly relaxed about this." Bridgette said.

"When you're forced to kiss Heather, stuff like this doesn't faze you anymore."

Scott groaned. "Fine. I guess if Zoey's too uncomfortable with it, we'll have to risk it."

Zoey started to feel a bit guilty. "I'll...I'll do it."

Scott smirked.

(Confessional: Scott)

"It was pretty easy to guilt Zoey into going along with the idea. Just make her feel like she's letting the team down, and boom. She'll go along with almost anything you say. Best part about this is that it'll make things awkward between Zoey and Duncan. The best way to stop a potential alliance is to get its members to drift apart."

The camera cut to Team Heather inside the auditorium of the Palace Theater. B was putting the finishing touches on a bar counter he constructed while Mike was lining up prop bottles of alcohol. Meanwhile, Heather and Alejandro were holding the scripts in their hands, rehearsing. Sierra was seated in a director's chair. She argued that this was the only way to perfectly encapsulate her vision of the script.

"I don't get it...you gave up the chance for a million dollars to save me? Are you cracked?" Heather read.

"Probably. When I saw you dangling, I ran to pull you up without even thinking about the competition."

"But why? You got eliminated from the race because you helped me."

"I know. My whole life, I thought nothing of my competitors other than how to take them down. But with you...there's something different. I keep feeling things I've never felt before in a competition. Uncertainty, worry...and admiration." Alejandro took Heather's hand. "Heather...I love you. No matter how often we're at odds with each other, that will never change."

Heather said nothing for a while. Then, she looked down at the ground, clenching her fist.

Harold walked up to Sierra. "Um...shouldn't have Heather said something by now?" He asked.

"She is pausing for longer than what the script said." Sierra noted. Sierra then got out a megaphone. "CUT!"

"Um...yeah..." Heather turned to B and Mike. "How's the set coming along?!"

B gave a thumbs up. He and Harold began to walk off.

"Where are you going?" Heather asked.

"B's gonna work on an audio track for the song I picked out." Harold answered. "We have a piano, but there's a lot of instruments like saxophones, violins, harmonicas, bass, drums, and so on."

"That does sound like it'll be more instruments than we have people to play them. Even if we get the two interns we're allowed to have." Alejandro said.

Harold nodded. "So I asked B if he could get recordings of those instruments to play in the tech booth. And since I know more about music than him, I'm helping out."

Heather shrugged. "We're still not done with the set yet. So Mike, do you have a set building personality you absorbed?" Heather asked. "That can really help us out."

Mike frowned. "No."

Chris came walking in. "Hey Team Heather. Looks like you guys are almost done with the preparations." Chris looked around the set before turning to Heather and Alejandro. "I guess you two will be acting as Sam and Diane?"

Heather and Alejandro looked confused, as did most of Team Heather.

"...Sam and Diane? Heather and Al argue a bunch? Your scene is in a bar? Come on, I'm only 31!"

Mike, Sierra, and B shrugged. "I understood that reference!" Harold proudly exclaimed.

"Ugh. Anyway, you're performing second, so showtime is in 4 and a half hours. Better get prepared fast." Chris walked off.

"Anyway, I'm gonna go get us all some lunch. I'll be back in 20!" Heather told the rest of the team.

"Heather, we still haven't-" Alejandro began to say. Heather didn't stop to listen, quickly walking out of the theatre.

"Um...what was that about?" Mike asked.

(Confessional: Heather)

"I can't believe Alejandro can even pretend to act like he'd pick me over the money. Yeah, not when he's trying to get me eliminated so that he can take over as team leader. And for the script to have me say that I lo...lo...ugh! Can't even get it out of my throat. And did we REALLY have to have another performance challenge so soon? It's been like, two challenges since the last one."

(Confessional: Sierra)

"The premise for the script is that Alejandro is meeting up with Heather after getting eliminated from Season 2 of Ridonculous Race. The reason for elimination being that he saved Heather, even though he wasn't paired up with her. That's when Alejandro reveals that he values Heather over the money." Sierra put a hand over her heart. "Isn't it beautiful? A glimmer of humanity in one of Total Drama's most vile villains. But Heather will need to actually finish practicing her lines if we want to win the challenge."

Noah was holding a clipboard with a sheet of paper attached to it. He was in front of the other Shortcakes inside the Apollo Theatre. "Alright. Gwen, you're an artist, so you'll design the background. Trent, you'll work on the music, obviously. Kitty, Brody, the two of you will be in charge of costumes and props. Selecting them, putting them together if needed, stuff like that. You guys made costumes in Brazil during Ridonculous Race after all. Dawn, you can apparently talk to animals, so see if you can't get any to help physically build the set."

Dawn crossed her arms. "You know how I feel about animal labor, don't you?"

Noah sighed. "Fine, PETA. We'll treat them the same as a human construction crew. Breaks, payment, and all. Would that make you feel better?"

"I don't approve of the comparison to those monsters, but yes."

"And we can also have a whole orchid of animals like what Dawn did in the circus challenge." Brody said.

"Orchid?" Kitty asked.

"I think you mean orchestra, Brody." Trent said.

"We can't. Remember what Chris said. The most help we can have to help with instruments are two interns." Noah pointed out. "Thankfully, Chris didn't say anything about the set needing to only be built by us."

"Huh. Noah's taking his new leader role pretty well." Kitty whispered to Emma.

"You're telling me." Emma said dreamily.

"So, unless anybody else really wants to kiss me, I don't think anyone would object to Emma being the other lead." Noah said.

"And if Emma needs a slap to get her to focus, I'm on it!" Kitty claimed.

"Kitty, it's been three months since me and Noah started dating. We can focus around each other by now." Emma said.

"Just saying."

"So, what will the scene be about?" Brody asked.

"Gonna write out the details, but it'll be set on a train station." Noah answered. "So Gwen, when designing, make the set look like that. Wouldn't hurt to make the background be a starry night either."

"Heh. Want me to sing some Journey?" Trent jokingly asked.

"I know you're joking, but that works perfectly. Will save us a ton of time on picking a song."

"Not really aiming for originality here Noah." Gwen told him.

"Trust me, I'm aware. But if there's one thing I learned in show business, it's that pandering to the mainstream audience is your safest best. Creative integrity isn't what Chris will be judging this challenge." Noah replied.

Gwen shrugged. "You make a good point."

"You sure we should rush through this so much Noah?" Trent asked.

"Definitely. The quicker we can get music out of the way, the more time we have to focus on building and rehearsing." Noah replied.

"We'll still need to actually get the material though" Emma said. "So Kit, Brody. See if you can find any good costumes and props at stores. Gwen, you'll-"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll get the painting supplies." Gwen made a small hop off the stage.

"You could've let me finish. I was going to also tell you to get stuff for the set. Flats, nails-"

"Ok, I got it." Gwen walked off.

"No, you don't got it! We didn't even decide what the set will look like!"

Gwen didn't answer, exiting the auditorium.

"I'll shop with her." Dawn said. She walked down the stairs and followed after Gwen.

"You don't have to come with me Dawn." Gwen told her.

"It's fine. I'm working on the set construction after all."

Gwen shrugged as the two exited the building and walked down the streets. "So, let me guess. You want to talk about what you sense in my aura, right?"

"Honestly, I wouldn't even need to read auras to know the biggest thing that's bothering you. You blame Emma for what happened to Owen."

"Bullseye. But if you're worried if I'll try to start something with her, don't be. I'm not going to fight with her anymore. We're a team. But that doesn't mean I have to pretend to like her."

"That's fair. But you should at least be more co-operative with her. Like you said, we're a team."

Gwen groaned. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Dawn had a point.

"However, I can tell from your aura. Your feud with Emma isn't the only thing that's been bothering you recently."

Before Gwen could ask any questions about what Dawn was talking about, the two of them heard a familiar voice. "Wow. Could Deej have picked a song with sappier lyrics?" Gwen and Dawn noticed Duncan, Zoey, and Bridgette coming out of a store, bags in tow. Duncan was reading the script he was holding in his free hand.

"I think they're sweet honestly." Zoey said. Bridgette nodded in agreement.

"Hey guys. Buying props for your scene?" Gwen asked.

Duncan turned to Gwen and held up the script. "Yo Gwen." He walked up to the Goth girl and fist bumped her. "Back me up on this. How embarrassing are these lyrics?"

Gwen took a look and chuckled. "I can say this. My little cousin would love this song." Gwen turned to Zoey and Bridgette. "I gotta agree with Duncan on this one."

Bridgette shrugged as she and Zoey put down the bags they were carrying. "Well, it's not like you'll be the one singing it Duncan. Besides, be grateful that DJ let you add metal to the song."

"If anything, DJ should be grateful that I kept that song at all." Duncan said.

Gwen then tapped him on the shoulder. "By the way, about last night..." She whispered.

"You already thanked me, remember pasty?" Duncan responded.

Gwen looked confused before her eyes widened. She then shrugged it off. "Oh, yeah. Right."

Zoey turned to Gwen and Dawn. "Anyway, me and Bridgette are going to hit up a clothing store. Wanna come with?"

"For costumes I take it?" Dawn asked.

Duncan picked up the bags that Zoey and Bridgette put on the ground. "Nah. Leshawna and Scott are getting those. These two are just doing some lame dress shopping. I'll be waiting at the theater. Later." Duncan walked away from the girls.

"I told Zoey that, next opportunity we get to stay a night docked, she could try and go on another date with Mike." Bridgette said. "And it wouldn't hurt to get dressed up for it."

Dawn raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks for the offer, but me and Dawn are busy getting stuff for our scene." Gwen told them.

"Alright. Catch ya later Gwen!" Zoey exclaimed. She and Bridgette both high-fived Gwen before walking off.

"Not what I was expecting." Dawn said.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting to run into those guys either, but it's cool to just be able to talk with them sometimes." Gwen replied.

"That's not what I meant. I mean that I wasn't expecting Bridgette to try and manipulate Zoey like this."

Gwen gave an odd look to Dawn. "Huh? Bridgette is like, the nicest girl from the first few seasons."

"Yes. And She doesn't seem to have any evil intentions. But it was clear from her aura that her suggestion wasn't purely out of kindness."

Gwen raised an eyebrow before taking another look at Bridgette and Zoey leaving together.

(Confessional: Gwen)

"I've learned to trust Dawn's aura readings, but I dunno. Bridgette? Manipulative? You might as well tell me that Brody's a Nobel Prize winner."

Zoey exited the changing room, wearing a crimson gown. "So...um...how do I look?" Zoey asked nervously.

"You look amazing!" Bridgette praised.

Zoey sighed in relief. "Thanks. I usually wear more retro clothing. Never really wore gowns."

"Well you don't have to worry. So, you gonna pick it out? I'll pay."

"Really? Thanks Bridgette!"

"No problem. I'll save us a spot at checkout." Bridgette walked off.

Zoey went back into the changing room. Before she could take off her gown, a ball of paper hit her on the head. "What the?" Zoey picked up the paper, and opened it up.

'How would Mike feel about the scene?' It asked.

A few hours passed. Gwen was on a ladder, almost finished painting the background, a starry night sky, while multiple bears brought by Dawn finished constructing the set. It looked like the outside of a train station. Noah and Emma were rehearsing, going off book. They had the scripts on the ground. Trent was on a stool, playing on his guitar. It wouldn't be long until they had to perform.

"I've...never exactly been a romantic." Noah said, rubbing his arm awkwardly. "I was more of a 'mock literally everyone for their relationship troubles' kind of guy."

Emma smiled. "Something tells me you weren't exactly popular in school."

"A singer in a smoky room. The smell of wine and cheap perfume." Trent sang in the background.

Noah chuckled. "Honestly, I always thought love was stupid. Just a fake deep way of justifying making out and arguing. Just a trap for sheep."

"...But?"

"Come on, are you really gonna make me say it?"

"For a smile they can share the night, it goes on and on, and on, and on!" Trent continued to sing.

Emma laughed. She was about to say her line when she stopped herself. Gwen was getting off the ladder and heading towards the audience seats. Notably, she was avoiding eye contact with Emma.

"Umm...I...sorry. I gotta read over my lines again."

Noah shrugged. "Cut!" He yelled.

Trent stopped playing the guitar. "Still need time to memorize?"

"Look, like I said, I'm sorry but-" Emma began to say.

Trent held up his hands. "No, no. It's cool. We literally just started today, so it's understandable. You're doing a good job."

Emma widened her eyes. "Oh...thanks."

Noah then walked up to the bears. "Well, might as well pay our workers since the set's done."

Dawn nodded. "I talked with them, and they're more than happy to accept what you're offering."

Noah gave each of them a 10 dollar bill. "No idea why you'd need money, but here you go. It's Canadian money though, so...oh." As the bears started using the money to clean out their ears or floss their teeth, it became apparent to Noah that it being Canadian money was far from a problem.

Emma walked up to Gwen. "Hey, good job on the background."

"Thanks." Gwen said before immediately walking off.

Emma looked like she wanted to call out to Gwen, but stopped herself.

Dawn took a look at Emma, and then walked towards Noah. "You know what you have to do." She whispered.

"Huh?" Noah reacted.

"Your greatest regret about Owen's dilemma is that you stayed silent about it. We can't change the past, but you can make up for it in the present." Dawn tilted her head to Emma. "You can help Emma."

Emma then turned to Noah. "Anyway, we should get back to practicing."

Noah looked at his girlfriend's face. He could tell she was troubled. Dawn was right. He could try and do something about this. "Hold on. I'll check to see how Kitty and Brody are doing with costumes. Then we'll be all set." Noah walked off as well.

(Confessional: Noah)

"It's pretty obvious that Emma's bothered about how Gwen sees her. I was never that close with Gwen in our seasons, so I'm not exactly the best person to talk with her about it. But there are a few people on our team who Gwen is close with. And one of them would be more than happy to help out Emma."

Noah opened the door to the dressing room of the theatre.

"I look pretty snazzy, huh?" Kitty asked Brody. She took a selfie of herself, wearing a dark top hat and carrying a cane. Behind them were several suits and dresses on a clothes rack.

Brody chuckled while gluing together multiple pieces of cardboard. "Nice."

"Hey, Kitty." Noah said.

Kitty and Brody turned to the door as they saw Noah enter. "Oh. What's up Noah?" Kitty asked.

"Kitty and I are basically done here." Brody said.

Noah tilted his head outside the dressing room. Kitty realized that Noah wanted to talk in private. "Hey Brody, I'll see you up on the set."

"Sure. Catch ya later Kit."

The camera cut to Kitty and Noah outside the theatre. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"It's about Emma. She's been trying to make up with Gwen recently, but it's not exactly working out. You're friends with Gwen, so you think you're able to help Gwen get along with your sister?"

Kitty rubbed her head. "I mean...I kinda already tried back in France. Gwen said she wouldn't go out of her way to pick fights with Emma anymore, and she's been doing that."

"Yeah, but she's not exactly trying to hide her passive aggression."

"Fair...I can try again, but at the end of the day, it's gonna be up to Emma and Gwen."

Noah sighed. "I know. You're right. But I have to do something to get those two to make up. I can't let this mess up our team's game. Not when...not when Owen trusted me to lead it."

Kitty looked at Noah sympathetically. "Noah..."

"I'm willing to talk with Gwen about it." Someone said. Noah and Kitty turned their heads, Trent walking up towards them.

"Oh. Hey Trent." Kitty said.

"Wait, really?" Noah asked. "I thought you and Gwen were steering clear of each other."

"We mostly got over that." Trent replied. "Besides, it's obvious to everyone that Gwen and Emma's arguing is throwing off our team. If you have a plan to do something about it, I want to help in anyway I can."

Noah thought it over. "Alright, I have an idea. I can't say for sure that it'll get them to make up. But I do think it can get those two to stop fighting."

The camera cut to Team Heather in the Palace Theatre. The set was completed. Multiple chairs and tables, a pool table, a bar counter lined with bottles, a piano. B even managed to mount a tv screen on the walls. It looked less like a set, and more like someone plopped a bar inside an auditorium.

Unfortunately, the set construction was the only thing that was completed. The team had about two hours left until it was time to perform, and still, Heather and Alejandro haven't finished rehearsing the scene all the way.

Heather was straining to read her script. "I think I lo...lo...UGH!" Heather yelled as she threw her script to the ground.

"Come on Heather! You were supposed to be off-book hours ago!" Mike yelled. He and B were standing near Sierra, who was sitting in a director's chair. Harold was sitting on a stool near the piano. An intern with spiky black hair was holding a violin.

"I didn't even get to play the song that I picked out for Alejandro to sing yet." Harold complained.

Alejandro held a hand out as a signal for his team to stop talking before turning to Heather. "Heather, you know that if we lose because of this, you'll be eliminated."

"Yeah, I realize that." Heather said.

"Good." Alejandro then leaned it to whisper in Heather's ear. "Because it wouldn't be satisfying for this to be how you get eliminated."

Heather clenched her fist. "Is this just a game to you?"

"Of course. You're the only truly worthy rival. Duncan was an adequate adversary in Season 3 I suppose, but he doesn't make the game nearly as interesting as you. So I'm hoping you don't get yourself voted off in such an anti-climactic way."

"SHUT UP!" Heather yelled. "I should have gotten you voted off instead of Sky back in Paris!"

The rest of Team Heather were taken aback by Heather's outburst. Alejandro just raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"

"I chose to let you stay. If I voted for you along with Sky and Sierra's votes against you, you would have been eliminated by now. But I kept you around."

Alejandro widened his eyes. He didn't think about that before, but it was true. Alejandro had two votes against him back then, one from Sky and the other from Sierra. If Heather used her leader vote on him instead of Sky, that would make for a total of four votes. Alejandro would have been the one sent home. "But...why? You just gave yourself a disadvantage then!"

"I realize that! UGH!"

Sierra slowly got out her phone, and started typing on her blog, her eyes still fully glued on Alejandro and Heather.

"Heather, why would you-?" Alejandro began to ask.

"Just forget it already." Heather picked up the script. "I...I think I love you too." She read spitefully. "There. Happy?"

"Finally, we can get on with it." Mike said.

Alejandro looked at Heather in discontent. "Fine. Let us continue."

Sierra took a look at the two. This wasn't good. At this rate, they'd be way too distracted when it was time to perform. She then snapped her fingers. She had an idea.

(Confessional: Alejandro)

"My plan to get Heather eliminated was simple. Just subtly provoke Heather to show her more bossy, abrasive self more often, while I'd provide comfort for the ones who dislike her most, such as Mike But for Heather to get herself eliminated without a fight? I refuse to accept that as a victory."

The camera cut to the Blades in the Lyric Theatre, practicing their scene. Zoey was singing, while Bridgette and Leshawna sung backup. Duncan was wearing a pinstripe suit and fedora for his costume. Zoey was wearing a blue polka-dotted lace dress.

On the stage was a makeshift city made out of cardboard boxes. Leshawna was playing the tambourine, Bridgette was playing the bass guitar, DJ was on the saxophone, and Scott was playing the cowbell. Meanwhile a male intern whose hair covered his eyes played the electric guitar and a female intern with braces and a ponytail was playing on the piano. Thankfully for the sake of the challenge, the producers allowed teams to have some interns to help with music in the event that they needed one. They could only have two, but it was something.

"Listen red. Life isn't a fairy tale. You don't get a happy ending just for being nice." Duncan said. He then reached into his pockets and pulled out a gun. "And sometimes, a happy ending for someone means bad times for someone else." Duncan began to walk off, but Zoey walked in front of him.

"You may say I'm a fool." Zoey sung.

"I'm a fooool" Bridgette and Leshawna repeated.

"Feelin' the way that I dooooo."/"Ahhh-ahhh" The three girls sang simultaneously.

Zoey circled around Duncan. "You can call me Pollyanna say I'm crazy as a loon! I believe in silver linings, and that's why I believe in youuuuu!"

Zoey placed a hand on Duncan's shoulder. "You don't want to do this."

Duncan shook her hand off his shoulder. "What do you know about me?" Duncan began to walk off.

Zoey turned towards his direction. "Enough to know that you're not a murderer! That's not who I fell for!"

Duncan stopped, and turned around, surprised. "Fell for...?"

Zoey slowly walked towards Duncan. "You may say I'm a fool."

"I'm a foooool." Bridgette and Leshawna sang.

"Feelin' this way about you."

"Wayyyy 'bout youuuu"

Zoey grabbed one of Duncan's hands with both of hers. "There's not much I can do"

"I can doooo"

"I'm gonna be this way my life through"/"Oooh-oooh."

Zoey began to lean in closer to Duncan, their lips about to make contact.

"Oh, come on!" Leshawna yelled.

Zoey and Duncan turned their heads, seeing that several of the cardboard boxes that formed a few make-shift buildings fell over.

"Guess we needed more tape." Duncan said. The delinquent, as well as the two interns walked over to re-stack the boxes.

Leshawna turned to DJ. "You know, I gotta say. The song you picked out ain't half bad."

"Thanks. Though I can't take all the credit. Me and Duncan might have mixed it up a bit, but I gotta give props to my Mama for me finding this song." DJ replied.

"Is there anything you don't give credit to her for?" Leshawna joked.

(Confessional: DJ)

"When I was a kid, me and my Mama moved to Canada. I was really tripping out since I never left Jamaica before, let alone moved to a new country entirely. It was a nightmare. I didn't think I'd be able to adjust. But then, Mama had me listen to this song." DJ sniffled a bit. "It taught me that I can do anything I want if I put my mind to it. This song is just what I need to tell myself that I'm not a burden. I ain't gonna let my team down again!"

Bridgette walked up to Zoey. She noticed that Zoey was looking a bit uncomfortable. "You ok?"

Zoey rubbed her arm awkwardly. "I know it's just acting and all, but...I dunno. Things between me and Mike already feel kinda frosty. What if this makes things worse?"

Bridgette said nothing for a little while. "Zoey, did you watch World Tour?"

"Huh? Well, yeah."

"So, you know about how I got eliminated then. Alejandro seduced me, and after I kissed him by accident, I tried to kiss him a second time. I tried to cheat on Geoff. On international TV."

Zoey realized where Bridgette was going this. "But Geoff forgave you, and you two are still together."

Bridgette nodded. "And remember Action? Duncan and Heather kissed for a challenge, but even Courtney didn't give Duncan any grief for that."

Zoey chucked a bit. "Yeah...I guess I was worrying for nothing. Thanks Bridgette."

"No problem. Anytime you want to talk, my doors are open."

Zoey smiled, and gave Bridgette a hug. She wasn't completely over it, but this certainly helped. The surfer girl smiled before she noticed Scott, who was subtly giving Bridgette a thumbs up. A wave of guilt suddenly began to flow through Bridgette.

Emma walked out of the dressing room. She was wearing a black business dress, and carrying a prop briefcase constructed by Brody and Kitty.

"Looking good babe."

Emma saw Noah walk towards her, still in his regular clothes.

"Coming to get dressed, Noah?" Emma asked.

Noah nodded. "Hey Emma. Have I ever told you about my favorite play?"

Emma raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. Why?"

"Figured it would help to talk with you about it. It's called No Exit."

"No Exit?" Gwen asked. She and Trent were outside the theatre eating English Muffins, flat and round pieces of bread. It was a beautiful full moon.

Trent nodded. "It's a French play from the 1940s. Three people in Hell are brought in a room and are pretty much told to stay there for all eternity. No fire, not spikes, no whippings. Just three couches in a room with a locked door, and no windows."

"Huh. Pretty mild for Hell. The only real punishment is boredom."

"That's the thing. THEY'RE their own torturers. They're all unpleasant people to be around, but that's all there is for them TO do." Trent told her. "They fight over who gets to be the center of attention, deny each other validation that they're seeking for, force each other to make them confront how awful people they are."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "I'm not stupid Trent. You're saying that this is similar to me and Emma, right?"

"I mean, it was pretty obvious what I was doing." Noah answered.

"Alright...but how will this help?" Emma asked.

"See, here's where the interesting part comes in. Near the end of the play, the door to the room they're supposedly stuck in opens up. They can leave the room, and each other. But they stay. Mostly because they're afraid of what the rest of Hell has to offer. But also because they're so desperate for the others to justify their egos. ,They're all so obsessed about how they others see them, or crave what only other people can provide them that they refuse to leave until they can get one of them to do something like tell tell them they're not a coward, or satisfy their lust. They let themselves get tortured all for the chance that someone else will paint a more positive image for them than they see themselves."

Emma looked down on the ground, saying nothing. "...I get what you're saying. Now I know why I've been so on edge about how Gwen sees me. It's because it just reminds me more about how I treated Owen. Heck, how I've been treating most of the team period. And I'm choosing to let it get to me."

Gwen sighed. "I guess you're right. It's no secret that I'm mad at what Emma did to Owen. But I didn't really think that what she did was hurting her too."

Trent nodded. "But that's not the only reason why Emma creases you. Like I said, part of the reasons the characters in the play tortured each other was because they forced them to confront their flaws."

Gwen saw where Trent was going with this. "Kinda like what Emma did to the both of us back in the soccer challenge."

Trent nodded. "How she pointed out how we were thrown off our game because of each other. It sucked to hear, but we both knew that she was right. But at the time, having it rubbed in your face really ticked you off. Because you were already bottling up that thought."

Gwen smiled. "Man, you're starting to sound like Dawn."

"Only because I know you so well."

The two chuckled. The two sat in silence for a little while before Gwen spoke up. "Hey Trent...I feel like I can trust you with this." Gwen leaned in to Trent's ear and whispered.

Trent widened his eyes before smiling. "Should have guessed."

Suddenly, a horn blared, Chris walking on camera. "Alright you two! Tell the rest of the Shortcakes to get ready to perform in 20 minutes. It's challenge time!"

(Confessional: Noah)

"Well, I did what I could."

(Confessional: Trent)

"Here's to hoping that Noah's idea worked."

Chris was seated in the auditorium of the Shortcakes' theatre. Brody, Kitty, and Dawn were seated as well. Team Heather and the Killer Blades were still in there respective theatres, practicing their scene. A chubby intern with glasses was in the control booth. The curtains of the stage were closed. "Alright! First up is the Strawberry Shortcakes' scene!" Chris announced.

The camera cut to behind the curtains. Trent was sitting in a chair on the set, guitar in hand. He was dressed in black, and wearing sunglasses, giving an air of mystery to him. Emma and Noah were both in business suits, Noah wearing a silk hate. Emma was currently tightening Noah's tie. "Seriously, you really should pay more attention to your clothes. Your tie was basically about to fall off."

Noah rolled his eyes, but smiled. "So your solution is to make it a noose then?"

"Don't tempt me." Emma said. She finished tightening Noah's tie before giving him a quick kiss on the lips.

"Hey, Emma." A voice said.

Noah, Emma, and Trent all turned their heads, Gwen walking up to them.

Emma mentally sighed. "What is it Gwen?"

Gwen offered a hand. "Good luck out there."

Trent and Noah smiled at this. Emma widened her eyes in surprise, then smiled as well. "Thanks." Emma shook Gwen's hand. "Though, you realize it's actually bad luck in the theatre to say that, right? You should say 'break a leg'."

Gwen turned to Noah. "She's your girlfriend alright."

"You act as if I'm Harold." Noah replied.

Gwen chuckled before walking off.

"It's showtime!" Chris yelled.

Noah walked off to get in position. Soon, the curtain opened up, revealing Emma standing outside a train station. Or more accurately, a model of one. Behind her was the painting of a sapphire blue night sky, countless tiny yellow dots representing the stars. Lined on the ground were several planks of wood screwed together to resemble railroad tracks. Next to Emma was Trent, holding his guitar while sitting in a chair.

"You look troubled little girl." Trent said to Emma.

"It's nothing." Emma replied. "Just forgot to tell a friend something."

The sound effect of a train whistle was played. Trent shrugged and began to play his guitar. "Just a small town girl! Livin' in a lonely world! She took the midnight train goin' anywhere!"

Emma took a deep breath and began to walk off before Noah came running in from stage right. "WAIT UP!"

Emma turned around. "Huh?"

"Just a city boy! Born and raised in South Detroit! He took the midnight train goin' anywhere!" Trent sang.

Noah reached Emma and began to pant.

"What the...what are you doing here?!" Emma asked.

"Wait...I need...need to say something." Noah said in between breaths.

"I can't stay. I'm about to-"

"Just give me a minute." Noah stood up straight. "I've...never exactly been a romantic." Noah rubbed his arm awkwardly. "I was more of a 'mock literally everyone for their relationship troubles' kind of guy."

Emma smiled. "Something tells me you weren't exactly popular in school."

"A singer in a smoky room. The smell of wine and cheap perfume. For a smile they can share the night, it goes on and on, and on, and on!" Trent continued to sing in the background while Noah and Emma were talking.

Noah chuckled. "Honestly, I always thought love was stupid. Just a fake deep way of justifying making out and arguing. Just a trap for sheep."

"...But?"

"Come on, are you really gonna make me say it?"

Emma chuckled. "I can't know what you're trying to say unless you say it, right?"

Noah grabbed both of Emma's hands. "Fine. I like you, ok?"

"I like you too." Noah and Emma leaned in, kissing each other. A cardboard cutout of a train entered from stage left as Noah and Emma kissed.

"Don't stop believin'! Hold on to that feelin'! Streetlight, peopleeeeeeee!" Trent strummed a few more chords before the song came to an end.

Chris finished writing notes on a clipboard. "Not bad Shortcakes."

"So, what was our score?" Emma asked.

"Up up up. This time, you aren't finding out until everybody performs." Chris said.

"Ugh. Fine."

(Confessional: Trent)

"Nothing really went wrong that performance, so we should be fine. Just gotta hope for a screw up from Team Heather or the Blades."

Chris and the Strawberry Shortcakes entered the auditorium of the Palace Theatre. Mike was seated in a chair while B was operating the effects booth. "Alright Team Heather! Get ready in 5! You're up!" Chris declared.

The camera cut to backstage. Heather and Alejandro were dressed in their regular clothing. Harold, who was seated at the piano, was dressed in a tuxedo. "Why didn't you get me eliminated back in Paris?" Alejandro asked.

"I told you, I don't know!" Heather yelled.

"You're a much better liar normally, Heather."

Somebody then clapped their hands. "Attention please!" Sierra said.

Heather and Alejandro turned to Sierra. "What do you want Sierra?"

Sierra walked up to the two of them, and gave them both a sheet of paper. "These are your new scripts."

"New scri...now?! When we have LITERALLY minutes before performance?" Alejandro asked.

"Read them." Sierra said.

Heather and Alejandro took a look. On their sheets of paper was a single sentence. Talk it out on stage.

"Wait...you're saying that this should be our scene?" Alejandro asked.

Sierra nodded. "I can write as many fanfics as I want."

Harold saw where Sierra was going with this. "But they would never be more potent than the genuine feelings of two lovers." He said.

Sierra nodded before walking off. Alejandro then turned to Heather. "Shall we then?"

Heather groaned. "Worth a shot I guess."

Chris and the Shortcakes sat in various seats in the auditorium. Sierra came as well, taking a seat next to Mike. "And showtime!" Chris yelled.

"I know it's a competition, but is it a bad thing to hope they do badly?" Gwen whispered.

"When it's Heather and Alejandro? Being on the same team as them would be the only justification to hope they do well." Noah answered.

The curtains opened up. A replica of what a bar would look like. It was dark, though it slowly began to light up. Heather was turning away from Alejandro, while Harold was at the piano.

"So? Are you going to tell me, or not?" Alejandro asked.

"What does it matter to you anyway?" Heather replied.

"Because it's not like you to let romance throw you off your game."

Mike raised an eyebrow. This was definitely different from what the original scene was. He turned to Sierra, who simply nodded confidently.

"Who's to say that it wasn't a strategy of mine?" Heather asked.

"Yes. Get rid of the only one on the team who viewed you as an ally in favor of keeping the biggest threat to you. Brilliant strategy Heather!" Alejandro retorted.

"Well maybe it's because I was tired of that, ok?!"

Alejandro was taken aback. "Que?"

"World Tour, All-Stars, and now this season. We're always at each others throats, or backstabbing each other."

"Since when did you have any problems with scheming?"

Heather sighed as she sat down at the bar counter. "I don't know. It's just that...sometimes I wish we had a normal relationship. One where we don't constantly try to compete at...everything."

Mike was taken aback by this. He never once thought Heather would be tired of her scheming ways. The Shortcakes, minus Dawn who knew from the start, and Brody who was completely oblivious, were beginning to believe that this wasn't simply a performance as well.

Heather grabbed a prop bottle and acted as if she was pouring it into a glass, taking a pretend sip. Alejandro widened his eyes, before sighing in disappointment. "Do you really want that? Or are you just saying that because you believe it's expected?"

Harold began playing on the piano, while from the tech booth, B played the audio track. A slow, melancholy ballad was being played.

"I've been a fool. And you've been childish." Alejandro sang

"You fell down, you got hurt chasing sweeter dreams.

Never could. Hide the truth in your eyes.

That's how I knew, that smile was a lie."

Alejandro walked towards Heather. " 'I love you' is something you never say.

Couldn't get it out, always just pulled away."

Alejandro sat down on the stool next to Heather, who turned away from Alejandro. "So then why, please won't you tell me why. You could find the words, to say good-bye?"

Heather widened her eyes, then shut them.

Alejandro took the prop bottle Heather was holding, and acted as if he was pouring himself a glass as well. "I'm such a mess! I'm lost, I'm no good at this."

Alejandro turned to Heather, who was still turned away from him. "I'm falling in love! Still in love! Still in love with you!"

Heather clenched her fist, but didn't respond.

"Hard as I try! I can't even drink this pain away!" Alejandro continued.

"Memories of you.

Twisting my view.

I've been a fool."

Tears began to build up in Heather's eyes. "I'll no longer try to get you eliminated. Adios, mi amor." Alejandro said. The Spaniard stood up and began to walk away.

"Wait a second. Did they forget to kiss?" Brody whispered.

"I think that's the last thing on their minds right now." Kitty replied.

"Well, if that's the end of your 'scene', I guess we'll-" Chris began to say.

Before Alejandro left the stage, Heather stood up and ran towards Alejandro, turning him around and hugging him.

"Heather?!" Alejandro asked.

"What, did you think you'd get rid of me that easily?" Heather smiled.

"But...I thought you said you were-"

Heather broke the hug. "As if! What I'm tired of is you not knowing your place! But if I have to drive that through your head over and over, then that's how it'll have to be."

Alejandro was shocked. Then he began to laugh. "You never make things simple, do you Heather?"

"Oh shut up. You like it."

Alejandro wrapped his arms around Heather's wait, while she did the same around his neck. "Yes. I do." Alejandro dipped Heather down, the two passionately kissing.

"ENOUGH! STOP!" Chris yelled in disgust.

Alejandro and Heather stopped kissing. "Um...you had this as a requirement for the challenge." Alejandro pointed out.

"Yeah, because things were dicey between you two! I wanted there to be no love there! But having to see you two passionately make out...ugh! Massive backfire! You two are still the most disgusting couple on the show!"

Alejandro and Heather both rolled their eyes in annoyance. The two then turned to each other. "Heather. For as much as we conflict, you are more valuable than any prize that Chris can offer. If my betrayal truly hurts you, I'll stop." Alejandro said. "But be honest. Do you truly wish for our game to end?"

"Hmph. I suppose you do keep the relationship interesting. Besides, whatever you have in store, I know I'll beat you. Especially since you felt guilty about it."

Alejandro smirked. "I suppose we'll see."

Chris, Team Heather, and the Shortcakes were now in the auditorium of the Lyric Theatre. It was time for the Blades' performance. "Alright. Last up, it's the Killer Blades!"

"So, I take it you have a plan to interfere with the Blades' performance, Heather?" Alejandro whispered.

Heather smirked. "Already done." She sat down in the seat next to Mike, smirking.

(Confessional: Heather)

"When I left to get food for my team, I saw Zoey and Bridgette walk into a clothing store together. Overheard them talk about Zoey being the one Duncan would kiss. All I had to do was sneak in a note to her changing room. Best case scenario, she bombs the performance. Now little miss goodie goodie gets to know how hard it feels." Heather widened her eyes. "Not, not like I cared about the Alejandro stuff. That was just to get him to admit he feels guilty."

The Blades and the two interns were all in position backstage. Scott took a look at Zoey. Just like he wanted, she was looking nervous and uncomfortable. Not quite as much as before though due to Bridgette helping Zoey out, but still. Who knows, maybe Zoey would mess up the performance, leading to her elimination. Scott was aiming to get DJ eliminated next, but this would be even better than what Scott was aiming for.

Zoey suddenly felt someone put a hand on her shoulder. "You ready, Zoey?"

Zoey turned her head, seeing Duncan next to her. "Y-yeah. Just stage fright I guess." She lied. It was far more than just stage fright.

Duncan shrugged. "Well, let's get this over with. Kissing you can't be anywhere near as bad as kissing Heather."

Zoey chuckled. "You sure know how to flatter someone."

"And begin!" Chris yelled.

The curtains opened up. Duncan was in a pinstripe suit, wearing a fedora. Zoey was in a blue lace dress. Only the front of the stage was lit up. "You don't have to do this! You know that!" Zoey said.

"Yeah, I do." Duncan said. "Otherwise, me and Ma will be searching through garbage for our meals."

Heather turned to Mike. "Huh. Looks like Zoey is gonna be the female lead for the Blades." She whispered.

Mike didn't respond. Odds are, Heather was trying to get a rise out of him.

"Please, don't do this!" Zoey begged.

"You know, if anyone else in the gang were here, I'd have to pop you. You're treading on thin ice already, red." Duncan replied.

"There are tons of other ways to make rent! You don't need to-" Zoey began to say.

"Like what? Find a job that'll pay me enough in a week? Maybe take all my money to the races and pray that I pick the winning horse? Wake up and smell reality. Life is cruel. Now are you gonna drop it, or do I have to take you out too?"

Zoey said nothing for a little while. Suddenly, piano music was playing. "You're right. The world has a lot of cruel things." The sounds of guitars and saxophone came in along with the piano. "But at the same time, it has a lot of beautiful things too."

The back of the stage lit up, revealing the rest of the Blades as well as the two helper interns playing their instruments.

"I believe the morning sun." Zoey sung.

"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh." Bridgette and Leshawna sang.

"Always gonna shine again, and. I believe a pot of gold"

"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oooohhh"

"Waits at every rainbow's end. Oh. I believe in roses kissed with dew! Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?"

Zoey began to dance around Duncan as uncertainty began to creep onto his face. "I believe in make believe." Zoey continued.

"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh." Bridgette and Leshawna sang.

"Fairy tales and lucky charms. And. I believe in promises."

"Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-oooohhh"

"Spoken as you cross your heat. Oh."

I believe in skies forever blue! Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?" / "Ahhhhh-ah. Ahhhhh-ahh."

"You may say I'm a fool." Zoey sung.

"I'm a fooool" Bridgette and Leshawna repeated.

"Feelin' the way that I dooooo."/"Ahhh-ahhh" The three girls sang simultaneously.

"You can call me Pollyanna, say I'm crazy as a loon! I believe in silver linings, and that's why I believe in youuuuu!"

Zoey placed a hand on Duncan's shoulder. "You don't want to do this."

Duncan shook her hand off his shoulder. "What do you know about me?" Duncan began to walk off.

Zoey turned towards his direction. "Enough to know that you're not a murderer! That's not who I fell for!"

Duncan stopped, and turned around, surprised. "Fell for...?"

Zoey slowly walked towards Duncan. "You may say I'm a fool."

"I'm a foooool." Bridgette and Leshawna sang.

"Feelin' this way about you."

"Wayyyy 'bout youuuu"

Zoey grabbed one of Duncan's hands with both of hers. "There's not much I can do"

"I can doooo"

"I'm gonna be this way my life through"/"Oooh-oooh."

The music began to pick up as Zoey leaned closer to Duncan. Heather fake coughed fairly loudly from the audience. Enough for Zoey and Duncan to glance at her direction. Next to Heather was Mike. For a second, Zoey was sure she'd mess up. She'd continue the scene, but how could she stay focused now that she looked Mike dead in the eyes as she was about to kiss someone else?

Both Heather and Scott grinned. They were sure Zoey would mess up the scene now.

But then, Zoey noticed something. Mike didn't look upset. In fact, he was smiling. It looked like he was genuinely enjoying the performance.

Feeling a wave of relief, Zoey kissed Duncan on the lips. From the audience, Sierra got out her phone and took a picture. This was so going on her blog.

Zoey broke the kiss, leaving Duncan's character in shock. "Wh-why? You know that it'd be dangerous to be involved with me!"

Zoey spun around with Duncan while holding him by both hands. "Cause I still believe in miracles, I swear I've seen a few!" Zoey let go and span around by herself. "And the time will surely come when you will see my point of view!"

She moved towards Duncan while spinning and grabbed him by the hands again. "I believe in second chances and that's why! I believe in you!"

Duncan said nothing for a while before smiling, twirling Zoey around as the rest of the team played them off.

"Na na na naaa na! Na na na naaa! Na na na naaa na naaaa!" Bridgette and Leshawna sang.

Heather and Scott were both pretty annoyed. Zoey didn't mess up the performance like they were hoping for. In Scott's case, it was even worse, since it didn't look like Zoey and Duncan were remotely uncomfortable around each other after the kiss. Their unintentional joint plan was a failure.

Chris finished writing on his clipboard. "Alright. Everyone change back to your clothes and head to the S.S McLean. It's time to declare the winner."

The camera flashed to all the teams on the top deck of the S.S McLean, waiting for Chris. A few minutes later, Chris exited from the inside of the yacht. "Ok, no feed of anybody coming on board during the challenge." He muttered to himself.

"So, who's the winning team?" Bridgette asked.

"All of you had your high points. Shortcakes, you had the best singer by far, and did some nice work with the background and train station. Team Heather had the most impressive set by far, and most emotional scene. Cut down by the fact that Heather and Alejandro are completely disgusting. Blades, you guys utilized everyone for the scene, and blended in the song with the story the best. But your set was incredibly bare-bones."

Noah and Emma smiled in content. Chris didn't have any negatives for the Shortcakes' scene. It looked like at the very least, they'd get second.

"The team that won the challenge is...the Killer Blades. Their scene embodied the spirit of a musical the most!"

All the Blades except for Scott cheered at this.

(Confessional: Scott)

"Ugh. Whatever. It won't be hard to throw the next challenge. DJ's still easy pickings with his injuries. He's a complete burden! Other than winning us the first challenge, and making some good kicks in the soccer challenge, and knocking out Fang...and saving Owen's life, and writing the scene that...won us the...challenge..." Scott slowly widened his eyes as he was talking. It came to his realization that DJ wouldn't be quite as easy to get eliminated as he thought.

"And the losing team is...

...

...the Strawberry Shortcakes."

Both Team Heather and the Shortcakes were surprised by this, though the former team was also pretty relieved.

"Hang on! You just said our scene had the best singing!" Emma protested.

"Not to mention that you hated Alejandro and Heather's kiss." Noah pointed out.

"Yes. I did. But Team Heather's scene actually had heart put into it. You guys put together the most cliche premise you could think of, and your song barely had to do with the story you were telling. Where's the heart?"

"Told you that we shouldn't have rushed things man." Trent said to Noah.

"Alright losing teams, to your cabin cruisers. Shortcakes, I'll see you at elimination."

(Confessional: Noah)

"Ugh. Guess the saying 'work smarter, not harder' didn't really work out here. Well this time, I'm not going down without a fight. Time to talk with Emma and Kitty."

The Shortcakes were all sitting outside their cabin cruiser. Chris was in front of them. Holding a plate covered in a dome. "Alright Shortcakes, it's time. Time for your first elimination ceremony."

Almost no members of the team looked nervous. Though Kitty and Emma were looking slightly guilty.

"Alright, here's the deal. For tonight, there's only one piece of shrimp." Chris took off the dome, revealing a single piece of shrimp that looked pretty rotten.

"So, let me guess. You're giving the piece to the eliminated contestant, right?" Gwen asked.

"Bingo. And from where I see it, there are three primary candidates. Gwen, you seemed more worried about making Emma feel like crap than helping out the team."

"We're past that anyway." Gwen said.

"Yeah..." Emma replied.

"Emma. You've spent the majority of the season so far being bossy and unpleasant. And considering how several of these guys had to deal with Heather and Courtney, it's easy why they don't want to have to suffer from you as well." Chris then turned to Noah. "And Noah. At the end of the day, it was your laziness that cost your team the challenge."

"Yeah, yeah." Noah said.

(Confessional: Trent)

"No hard feelings Noah. At least you tried to help out the team this time."

(Confessional: Gwen)

"Would be pretty uncool of me to vote off Emma's boyfriend after I kinda made up with her. Guess I'll vote for Brody since I don't really know him."

(Confessional: Brody)

"I feel pretty bad voting off Emma's boyfriend. She was part of the super team back in Ridonculous Race. But nobody else really messed up. Sorry dude."

"The contestant that's going home tonight is...

...

... Trent." Chris tossed the rotten shrimp into Trent's lap.

Everybody except for Noah, Emma, and Kitty gasped in shock at this. "Hold on, me?!" Trent asked.

"He didn't do anything wrong though!" Gwen pointed out.

Noah shrugged. "True. But I didn't want to get eliminated."

Gwen turned to Emma and Kitty. "Let me guess. You two voted for Trent also?"

"Gwen, I'm sorry, it's just that-" Emma began to say.

Gwen sighed. "Whatever. You were protecting your boyfriend. It's not like you backstabbed anybody. Guess I should have voted for Noah after all though."

Kitty turned to Trent. "No hard feelings...?" She asked hopefully.

Trent shrugged. "It's cool." He stood up, and picked up his guitar case. "Feel better than the other two times I was eliminated at least."

Chef came by driving in the Boat of Losers. "Your ride's here, Trent." Chris told him.

Gwen walked up to Trent and hugged him. "Take care."

"You too. Good luck with the competition Gwen." Trent then whispered something else in Gwen's ear.

Gwen nodded. "Thanks. I will."

Dawn was well aware about what Trent whispered. Looks like he now knows as well.

Trent walked on board the Boat of Losers, waving goodbye.

"Did this stop Gwen and Emma from making up?" Chris said. "Will Heather and Alejandro still have to worry about breaking up? And did Zoey get the wakeup she needed for her relationship issues? Find out next episode on Total! Drama! Voyage!"

Votes:

Trent (4): Noah (leader vote), Emma, Kitty

Noah (3): Trent, Dawn, Brody

Brody (1): Gwen

Strawberry Shortcakes: Noah, Gwen, Dawn, Emma, Kitty, Brody

Killer Blades: Duncan, Zoey, Bridgette, DJ, Leshawna, Scott

Team Heather: Heather, B, Harold, Alejandro, Sierra, Mike

Rankings

24th: Justin

23rd: Cody

22nd: Geoff

21st: Sky

20th: Owen

19th: Trent

After two months, I'm so glad that I finally got to finish this chapter. I realized about halfway through just how similar the challenge was to the circus one. Well, hope there was enough different stuff for you to still enjoy it, lol. Next chapter, the challenge will be a lot more action oriented.

For those curious, the song Alejandro sung was the English version of Baka Mitai from Yakuza: Like A Dragon, and the song Zoey sung was Pollyanna from the Mother series. (Though in the latter's case, the chapter was describing a jazz-metal remix made by a YouTuber called insaneintherain. Would highly recommend checking it out)

And here we have Trent's elimination. Originally, the plan was that Emma and Gwen didn't make up, and Gwen would be voted off due to Noah and a reluctant Kitty voting for her, and Trent would volunteer for elimination to save her. However, I felt that having a non-standard elimination immediately after Owen's elimination via injury would be a bit much. Also thought that it wouldn't really be in Emma's character to pressure Kitty into voting for her friend, despite Emma's bossiness. So, I changed it up so that Gwen and Emma were on the verge of patching things up before Noah and the Sisters targeted Trent in order to save Noah. Why Trent specifically? Perhaps next chapter will tell. Have a great day everybody!