A/N I greatly enjoyed rewriting this episode. Trent's storyline in action was such a mess, it's nice to have a chance to write it better.
With respect to the reviewers:
Crosshot: Yeah, maybe I didn't need to mention Topher's crush. I did make it pretty obvious. As for the elimination, if you feel bad for Scott that's good because I was going for that.
Gucci Mane LaFlare: Yeah I was considering getting rid of Ella here, but the irony of Scott being eliminated for messing with something he didn't mess with was too Total Drama to pass up. Glad you liked Sammy and Alejandro's dynamic, and the Topher thing is at least a little inspired by Fangren's shuffled series. Although it's less blatant there.
The recap starts with a shot of a starry night sky, slowly it moves back to reveal three large red letters TDA in the center. "Last time on Total Drama Action." A shooting star transitions the scene to Chris, who is shown standing in the Warehouse section of the film lot. A picture of Trent slid to the left of him followed by a picture of Sammy on the right. "He was a boy, she was a girl, and last week on Total Drama Action a shocking team redistribution pitted them against each other." Sammy is shown trying to decide who to pick for her team. Trent is shown giving her two thumbs up. "Though nervous Sammy did manage to choose her team, with Trent supporting her on the way." Trent is shown distracted during the set up for the scenes part of the challenge as well as Noah speaking with him. "It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, as Trent's obvious distraction was caught by one of his teammates."
Alejandro and Sammy are shown talking, followed by Alejandro getting Topher and Amber into an alliance. "Meanwhile our resident charmer made a deal to help Sammy lead, and then got Amber and Topher to agree to an alliance with him." Chef and Chris are shown laughing about the scripts getting mixed up. Then Alejandro's triumphant acting and Ella's feeble attempt are both shown, as well as Chef bursting into tears."With the scripts getting mixed up Alejandro was able to roll with the change in character while Ella struggled, It was all too much Chef's tender heart." Scott is shown getting eliminated as well as his angry outburst and trip to the Lame-o-sine. "The script mix up was blamed on Scott, who's scheming ways from last season made him look suspicious. Scott did not take it well, which considering he didn't actually do anything wrong was justified.
Alejandro is shown, followed by Trent and Sammy talking at the end of the episode. "Is Alejandro really helping Sammy without an underhanded motive? Is Trent's concern necessary?" Chris is shown now in front of the trailers. "Will my non-fat vanilla soy latte ever get here? All the answers, answered right now in another tear jerking episode of Total Drama Action!"
(intro)
{A standing light pops up on a set with skyscrapers in the background. A hanging light swoops in front of a set with houses in the background, then a camera pops out of a sewer with a rat on it, and another camera pops out of a hole in a tree scaring the raccoon inside. A masculine hand raises up a clapboard and sets it off.}
Dear Mom and Dad, I'm doin' fine;
{The camera's point of view shows a film lot with the two trailers, city background, water tower, and fake hill. Chris drives by in a golf cart, and the camera flies through to the warehouses as crew members push a couple backdrops through, follows by the costume rack. )
You guys are on my mind!
{The camera goes up the fake hill and down into a small pool where Jo is swimming, a shark is behind her. Jo notices it and turns around to punch it in the nose.)
Ya asked me what I wanted to be,
And now I think the answer is plain to see!
(The camera moves out of the water to show Scott on a surfboard held up by machinery. He desperately tries to dodge several seagulls being shot at him. One finally hits him and he falls over.)
I wanna be...famous!
(The camera moves left to show Duncan as the one shooting the gulls from a gull cannon with Gwen right beside, laughing along with him. Duncan turns and Gwen looks at her feet, rubbing her left arm nervously. The camera moves on to show the sastchwawanakwa in a pink dress, matching boa, and straw hat. The door slides open and the camera goes through)
I wanna live close to the sun!
(A beach set is shown with Alejandro and Amber lounging on a beach chair together, a shark sits in a beach chair to either side of them wearing sunglasses.)
Well pack your bags, 'cause I've already won!
(Topher is shown in the make-up confessional having it applied. A hand sprays something in his eye accidentally)
Everythin' to prove, nothin' in my way;
(Trent and Amy are standing on rock pillars with padded poles. Amy hits Trent several times before he hits her back sending some of her hair down.)
I'll get there one day.
(The hair lands in a pot of sludge Chef is cooking. He shrugs and turns to Sammy who looks nervous but determinedly back at him.)
'Cause I wanna be...famous!
(Harold and Ellody are shown standing in front of a set of screens in the security room. Harold presses a random button and causes an explosion. )
(Na-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
(We focus in on one screen where a grizzly bear is growling towards Ella. The princess wannabe smiles at him sweetly, the bear smiles back and the two dance. )
I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous! (N a-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
(They dance their way past the lame-o-sine and the back window lowers to show Noah and Crimson inside. The camera continues through the window as camera flashes go off. Chris is shown standing at a podium in a powder blue tux. He opens an envelope.)
I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous! (Na-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
(The scene moves out to show Chef is in a sparkly hot pink dress and matching Chef's hat, along with sliver earrings and necklace. Chris looks a little weirded out. The camera moves back through a large screen then pans down to Geoff and Kitty sitting on a couch about to make out.)
*The sound of the theme being whistled goes through the air *
(They notice the camera and decide not to kiss, the scene moves back to show a small studio with two couches to either side of the one the couple is sitting at. The rest of the cast in sitting on them as the large screen above flashes to the Total Drama action logo. )
(end of intro)
The episode proper began with Chef mixing something in a pot. When he removed the spoon a clumpy brown glop was on it. Amy stared at her plate in horror as it was plopped on to it. "Eww! I guess today will be a good day for my diet!" She gagged.
Ella looked at it from her spot in line behind her. "It doesn't look too bad Amy."
Amy smirked. "Then I guess you can just come sit with me, because you can have it."
"Truly?" Ella gasped. "That is most generous of you! I'm so proud of how much nicer you've been this season!"
Amy looked at the floor. "Whatever." But it was clear she appreciated it. The two girls sat down at one of the tables.
The focus shifted to the other table where Amber and Topher were eating with Alejandro sitting between them. Amber was glaring across her boyfriend at Topher, who was just finishing his bite. "Oh sorry Amber, did you need something?" He asked with a smirk.
Amber looked away. "It's nothing. Whatever."
"Okay?" Topher said. He turned to Alejandro. "Between you and me I'm not sure Amber likes me."
"You have rubbed her the wrong way several times this season. I'm sure you can change her mind. That is if you wish to." Alejandro smirked at him.
"What do you mean by that?" Topher asked.
"Oh you know amigo." The Spaniard told him.
(confessional)
Alejandro: I am a master manipulator. Naturally I can tell when someone is trying to manipulate me. It's clear Topher wishes to undermine Amber's relationship with me, though I don't know the reason.
Static
Trent and Sammy are shown eating together, a pile of scrambled eggs on each of their plates. Sammy reaches for the salt and goes to put it on her eggs, but the top comes off spilling salt all over them. From the other table Duncan laughs. "Sorry for the morning a-salt!"
Trent opened his mouth to defend Sammy, but the blonde stared Duncan down. "Very funny Duncan, picking on someone weaker than you must make you feel so strong."
Duncan looked to be about to retort but Gwen hit him in the back of the head. "Third grade called and you're due back in class."
"Tch, whatever." Duncan scoffed.
Sammy beamed. "It worked!"
"What worked?" Trent asked.
"Alejandro's advice, he said the best way to get to a bully is to undermine their confidence." Sammy replied, eating some of the eggs that weren't salty.
The guitarist frowned. "Isn't that kind of like bullying them back?"
"No, it's just standing up for yourself." Sammy told him.
"I'm not so-" Trent began but he was interrupted by a piercing whistle. A beach tune played as Chris entered the tent in a pair of sunglasses, and holding said whistle. "Hang on to your coconuts, players," The host began as the focus moved back to show he was holding a red and yellow surfboard. "We're goin' back to the beach!"
"Wonderful!" Ella cheered.
"Ever seen one of those 1950s surfer movies where the kids get up to neato fun before the bonfire twist-a-thon, and the bully kicks the sand castle in the nerdy guy's face?" Chris asked. The focus shifted to different camper's as they gave their reactions. Topher shrugged, Noah raised an eyebrow, Harold nodded sagely, Amy gave Chris an unimpressed look, and Sammy and Trent looked confused.
Duncan scoffed. "Uh no grandpa we haven't."
"Well then, get ready to recreate one! Two challenges," he said, "followed by a tiebreaker, if necessary. So, grab your swimsuits!" He turned and left with Duncan, Gwen, Sammy.
Trent moved to leave and Noah put a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, focus on the game." Trent sighed.
/
Hanging lights are shown as visible gust of cold air blow past them. Icicles are hanging from the lights. The focus moves down to show more lights, all with icicles on them. Below them are the contestants in their swimsuits, freezing. "This is awfully cold for a beach." Ellody remarked.
"As some of you can see," Chris said, dressed in thick white parka and snow goggles, "we're actually in the shooting studio." The focus moved back to show an icicle rimmed pool with a surfboard set above it surrounded by yet more filming equipment, including a set of two large fans. Across from where the contestants stood Chef was at what seemed to be a control panel in a green scarf and hat.
"And the AC's cranked because?" Duncan questioned.
"All the cameras and lights get so hot,they could melt Chef's heart." Chris explained. He pointed at his co host, and the cook gave a very disturbing 'cheerful' grin and wave. "And the network told my agent sweaty wasn't a good look for me,"
"Your first challenge," the host continued, motioning up to the surfboard, "hang ten this deck into the big blue without swallowing tail in the soup."
"Speak English!" Amy snapped.
"He means whoever stays on the surfboard longest wins." Trent explained.
"Exactamundo, groovy cats!" Chris told them. "So? Who's goin' first?"
Ellody and Harold glanced at each other, Gwen, Amy, and Ella are shown freezing, Sammy looked anywhere but at Chris, and then a cricket was shown chirping. A gust of freezing air froze it solid and its hind legs broke off.
"The team that wins will get a half-hour head start on the next challenge," the host explained, "aaand given tonight's reward, you should be fighting harder than Alejandro's abs over who gets first shot."
"Speaking of rock hard abs, have you ever seen my ten pack?" Harold asked Elodie. Behind him Noah gave him an annoyed look and pushed him to the front. "Gosh!" The nerd said. "What was that for?"
"Just testing your 'rock hard ten pack'." Noah deadpanned.
"We have a volunteer!" Chris said Harold groaned and hit the side of his head.
/
Harold was shown walking confidently. "Mad surfing skills activate!" He declared as the focus shifted back to reveal that he was now on the surfboard. The gaffers logo was shown in the upper left corner as a sunset appeared on the screen behind him.
"And, please welcome the return of some season one fan-favorites," Chris announced from behind the pool, "the sharks!"
Immediately one of the show's usual sharks popped out of the tank. Harold moved back with a yelp as Chris cringed.
(confessional)
Harold: I'm very protective of my buttocks. They provide me with the low center of gravity that is the key to my many mad skills. You could say they're my hugest asset. Check it! (Harold turned to show his butt to the camera, in his left pocket is a set of purple cards. He shifts his butt and the cards move through the air from his left pocket to his right, and then back again.) I can juggle my magical Steve's magical trading cards!
Static
The confessional cuts to show Harold is now gripping onto the icy wooden beam directly over the pool. The shark leaps up after him, just missing him by mere inches. "My booty and I are out." The nerd said.
The contestants are shown on the ground looking up. Ellody raises an eyebrow. "Harold, I sincerely doubt your posterior has the consciousness to form an opinion."
"I'm not sure Harold does either." Noah snarked.
"I'll have you know this is a selfless act. My lady fans couldn't handle the loss of this perfect behind!" Harold called down.
"As a member of the fan base I can honestly say you don't have many!" Topher called up.
"Hey sharks, remember her?!" Harold called down, pointing. The focus shifted down to show he was pointing at Crimson. The sharks immediately noticed her and retreated into the water. While they were distracted Harold allowed himself to let go of the beam slamming into the wooden diving board in front of Chris.
"Ooh, way to stick the dismount bro." Chris winced.
In the crowd nearby Duncan and Noah laughed at Harold's expense as Duncan gave Gwen an fist bump. Sammy looked at them from her team and frowned, looking self-conscious. Trent placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey you'll make up for it."
Alejandro nodded from nearby. "Indeed, Harold is hardly our best player."
Sammy smiled at the two of them. "Thanks guys."
Trent smiled back, but balked as he turned to his team to see Amy and Duncan glaring at him, while Noah gave him a flat look. "Dude giving the enemy team a pep talk? Not cool." The punk said.
"I guess we know where his loyalty is" Amy glared.
"Seriously dude, really not helping yourself." Noah pointed out.
/
The surf tune from earlier played as Ella jumped on to the board. The grips symbol appeared in the upper left corner. She began to sing, making the sharks leave her alone as she attempted to balance on the board. Chris smirked and pressed a button on the control panel, changing the backdrop to that of a farm being struck by a tornado. Chef plugged in the two fans nearby and a furious gust of wind started. It wasn't long before Ella slammed back against the screen with a loud smack.
/
Sammy went next and the Gaffer's symbol appeared. She struggled to stay on the rocking board. She ended up falling in quickly, and jumped out of the water just as quickly, running away to hide behind Alejandro. Trent sighed.
/
Noah was next, and he struggled to keep his balance, but any chance of him succeeding was ruined when a shark jumped out of the water taking Noah's swim shorts off. His eyes shot open as he covered his pixelated groin. Duncan, Amy, and Gwen were all shown laughing, while Crimson was struggling to keep a straight face. Topher smirked. "Well you don't see that everyday."
As Noah ran off. Duncan called. "Oh come on dude, It's not like you have much to cover up anyway!"
/
Amber stepped on to the board, and as she did a shark jumped up to eat her. She screamed as it bit the board she was on in half, sending her into the water. She surfaced with yet another scream and shot out of the pool, straight into Alejandro's arms. Topher rolled his eyes. "You're not even going to try and fight the sharks?"
"Okay, when you face up against a carnivore without any way of protecting yourself, then you can talk!" Amber snapped back.
Chris blew his whistle. "Break time!" he announced. "Union rules!"
"It's about time." Alejandro said.
"I don't mean you, sharkbait!" Chris told him.
/
A classy tune played at the focus moved back to show the sharks sitting in chair with a pink towel on each of their heads. They were sipping tea as Chef served them fish.
The focus shifted to the pool to show Gwen already in place on the surfboard. She looked confident. "No sharks equals no problem." Gwen said as she easily balanced on the board.
The focus moved up a gatling gun until the barrel was shown. Chris installed a cartridge full of seagulls on top. Then loaded one in. "I love this game!" The host declared as he shot several. One of them hit the goth in the face and she freaked.
"Ah! Sky rat! Get it out! Get it out!" She screamed, flailing her arms as she fell in.
/
The Grips logo slid into the upper left corner as Alejandro prepared to get on the surfboard. The focus shifted to Amber and Topher standing next to the pool. "Good luck." Amber said.
"Alejandro doesn't need luck! I thought you'd know that." Topher smirked.
Amber turned to him, with a glare but it quickly became a smirk. "I'm sorry I was just supporting my boyfriend." She said, a subtlety mocking tone to her voice.
Topher couldn't think of a reply. Alejandro chuckled as he stepped on to the surfboard.
(Confessional)
Alejandro: I should really try to stop them, but I love seeing Amber like this.
Static
Alejandro was having no trouble standing on the surfboard, and the sharks weren't even attacking him. Chris smirked as he loaded another cartridge of seagulls. "He's good, but not good enough."
Topher gasped as he watched the scene, a fanatic grin on his face.
(Confessional)
Topher: Two of my idol's facing each other pretty much one on one?! It was amazing! Of course I kept a cool head on the outside.
Static.
"This is the best!" Topher cried as Chris unleashed a torrent of seagulls on Alejandro. The Spanish managed to dodge many of them, but eventually it was too much for even him and he fell into the tank.
Amber rushed to the pool. "Alejandro?" The Spaniard dove out of the water, flipped through the air and landed right next to her. He flashed her a gleaming smile. Amber blushed wildly. "I knew you'd be okay."
"You only think he's okay? Harsh." Topher replied with a smirk. Amber rolled her eyes at him.
/
Duncan is standing on the surfboard now, "Finally we have Duncan." Chris announced."Try not to get your piercings wet." The host said as he was shown loading the gun with another cartridge of seagulls. Duncan rolled his eyes.
Chris shot off the cartridge of gulls as Duncan dodged them all. Now out of ammo Chris turned to the chair behind him. Duncan was shown on the board again as the chair flew towards him. This was followed by a standing light. Chris is shown again, looking around for something else to throw. Amy was passing by and Chris' face lit up.
"You gotta be kidding me." Duncan said, his eyes shooting wide open as Amy was thrown at him with a loud cry. Duncan dodged, sending the mean twin into the screen behind him.
"And with that," Chris Said "Duncan secures victory for the Killer Grips."
"Gnarly." The punk remarked with a finger gun as he walked away from the pool. Most of the Killer Grips cheered as Duncan approached. Gwen gave him a fist bump, then they high fived, fist bumped again and hugged.
Trent looked over at Sammy who was clearly a little sad about losing. Trent moved to comfort her, but a tan hand slammed down on Trent's shoulder. "You want to get voted out? Let her own team support her."
Alejandro clapped Sammy on the back. "Every leader loses a few battles. It's the end result that matters."
Sammy smiled at him. "Yeah, we could still turn this around!"
"See? She'll be fine." Noah told him.
"I don't know. Alejandro's not the best example." Trent frowned.
"That isn't your problem. You need to stop being so self sacrificing." The cynic said.
"If you at home like sacrifices," Chris leaned into focus, as beganto segway to commercials."you'll love what's up next!"
"What are we going to throw someone to the sharks?" Noah scoffed.
"Not this challenge. Thanks for the idea though." Chris smirked.
/
The episode returns by showing the faded broken sign at the abandoned film lot. The focus shifted outwards to show Chris and the contestants under the sign, most back in their normal clothing, with Topher being the sole exception. Welcome back to Total Drama Action!" Chris announced. "Where against all advice to the contrary, most of the players have changed out of their bathing suits. Hope you like swimmin' in your jeans," Chris huffed.
"Like we're actually going to a beach this time." Amy scoffed. " Next you'll say the bus is stuck in traffic."
At that moment a yellow school bus pulled up in front of them. "You were saying?" Chris asked.
(confessional)
Topher: Classic Chris. Tell us to come in our swimsuits the first time then lead us to a frozen set. Then make sure to empathize that we should stay in our swimsuits so that everyone changes out of them, assuming he's lying like the first time. See? It's all calculated.
Static
The contestants are shown to be in line to enter the bus. Sammy goes to move forward but Amy pushes her over. "Move it Samey, you don't deserve to get on before me."
Alejandro helped her up. "You need to fight back against her."
"How?" Sammy asked.
"You know her better than anyone else. What scares her, what makes her upset, you just need to use it." Alejandro said.
"I don't know." Sammy frowned.
The Spaniard placed a hand on her shoulder. "I understand. It's not the nice thing to do, but really how far has being nice gotten you with her?" Alejandro stepped past Sammy, who followed, biting her lower lip in thought.
/
Chris' legs are shown as he steps onto a sandy beach. The focus moves up to his face music from last season plays as he speaks. "Yes campers, we're actually back at your old stomping grounds Total! Drama! Island!" The focus moved back as it usually did when the name of the show was mentioned. Revealing the two teams standing in front of cordoned off squares of beach. Chris and Chef stood between them.
"If you need to take a moment and reminisce about the great times you had here," The host said. The contestants laughed, save Crimson, who remained deadpan, and Ella, who seemed to actually be reminiscing.
"Fine," Chris said with a flat look. "we'll skip the good memories montage. Killer Grips you've got a thirty-minute head start on," The focus shifted to pails and buckets in the cordoned off squares as several dramatic stings played. "the Sand Castle Building Contest! To be judged by our resident King o' the Dunes!" Chris gestured to Chef, who placed a crown that looked like the tower on a sandcastle in his head. "Make like prop masters, guys, and give me something awesome. I really don't want the tiebreaker to have to go down."
A trio of logs tied in a pyramid formation. "I don't think legal's quite approved it yet." The focus moved down to show the rope had a boulder tied on to the end and beneath it was a crash test dummy. The boulder dropped on to the dummy crushing it. The focus pulled back as the entire structure collapsed, then an orange car with a white one painted on its top drove off the cliff above as a tune played, crashing atop the pile.
/
The Grips are shown at their sandpit sans Duncan and Gwen.. "All right we need a plan and I have one." Trent said.
"Why should we listen to you?" Amy huffed.
"Because I'm team Captain?" The guitarist said.
"Some 'captain,' you've spent more time worrying about Samey than leading us." Amy pointed out.
"Her name is Sammy." Trent snapped.
"Whatever, I think someone else should lead." Amy said
"We can argue about that later, for now we need to focus." Noah said. "Unless you want Sammy's team to get the reward?" Amy huffed but didn't argue. "Good." the cynic looked around. "Anyone seen the gruesome twosome?"
/
Duncan and Gwen are shown to be standing in front of the bus they'd used to get there, the hood is up and Gwen chuckled as she threw a spark plug into a waiting bucket held by Duncan. "There if we're stuck at the beach we can sleep in the cabins. They look a lot nicer than the trailers."
"I've always been more of a dismantler than a builder anyway." Duncan said, approaching the hood himself.
"Not necessarily. You did help build a hot tub last season. I think you just like to stir up the-" Gwen began. Duncan pulled out a piece of the bus and the horn went off. "Stuff I was gonna say stuff!"
The two are shown in front of the hood. "We should disconnect the horn too." Duncan said as he slammed it into place.
/
Chris is shown looking at his watch. "Three, two," He counted down as he lowered the fingers on his free hand. Instead of saying one, Chef blew a trumpet. "Thank you Chef!" Chris said, the focus moved out to show that at this point the Grips have only managed to push together some sand into a cube. " Killer Grips, your thirty-minute lead is over, so," Chris walked to the gaffers. "Gaffers dudes, get castlin'."
Harold immediately got into action. "We need wet sand packed firmly!"
"Shouldn't we do some calculations first?" Ellody asked.
"No time!" The nerd said.
(confessional)
Ellody: I'll admit, I'm not good at just doing things. I like to plan things out, and making this castle without any calculations was really nerve wracking for me.
Static
Harold is shown working on the castle, which was mostly off screen at the moment. Crimson approached. "Crimson wetter sand in that bucket!" The goth walked off. Topher approached next. "Topher pack it firmer!"
"Who put you in charge?" Topher said.
"I'm a bit of a Gary buff." Harold explained. Topher just stared at him. "Frank Gary? Greatest architect of our time?"
"And I care why?" The blonde asked. Harold gestured to the castle he was building which was shaping up to look like the Taj Mahal.
"Harold seems to know what he's doing," Sammy said. "I think we should listen to him."
/
The Grips castle now had a few towers on it but it was clearly slow going. Amy glared over at the Gaffers castle, which at this point was looking nearly complete. She smirked as she noticed a shell nearby. "This could be great for our castle," She cheered 'accidently' throwing the shell over her shoulder in her excitement.
"My Butteresses!" Harold cried as the focus shifted to the Gaffers. A dent was now in the center of the castle and the rest of the sand was starting to cave around it. "Quick, before it collapses!" The ginger said as he moved to save his creation. Amber, Topher, and Ellody all moved to help.
"This is why you make calculations first!" Ellody said.
Sammy glared at Amy. The mean twin smirked back. "Oops, sorry!" Trent slapped the back of her head. "Ow! What was that for?!"
The focus is on the Gaffers as their castle collapsed. "Dang they busted by butteresses." Harold complained.
"Well what do we do now leader?" Topher smirked at Sammy.
"Um," The nice twin frowned.
"What if we made it out of something other than sand?" Crimson droned.
"It's a sandcastle contest." Amber pointed out.
"No, it's a prop sand castle contest!" Alejandro said.
"Crimson what did you have in mind?" Sammy asked.
The footage flashed forward to show the Gaffers as they put the finishing touches on their new castle. They had collected a large number of light tan smooth stones and put them together using wet sand as mortar. Together they had rebuilt the Taj Maharold though there were obviously less details.
The Grips meanwhile had built something that vaguely resembled a sandcastle but was nothing near as good as the Gaffers. Amy groaned. "Where are those badly dressed freaks?!"
Duncan and Gwen arrived at that moment. They looked at their team's castle. "Well that's just sad." Duncan said.
"You weren't here. You don't get to make that call." Trent said. The castle collapsed.
"No he's right. It's sad." Noah agreed.
"Worry not friends! We can still make it, with teamwork!" Ella declared, beginning on a new sandcastle as she sang. Noah, Duncan, and Gwen all rolled their eyes but decided to help.
The focus moved to Sammy and Alejandro watching the Grips from nearby. "I feel bad for Trent, but-" Sammy smirked. "Is it bad I'm enjoying Amy's misery?"
"Not at all. She enjoys yours, so why shouldn't enjoy hers?" Alejandro smirked back.
"I kind of agree. Amy's a nasty piece of work." Amber added.
/
Both Teams' castles are shown from a distance. The Grips had half a castle built that looked much better than the previous. Unfortunately Chef decided to call judgment then and gave the Grips a glare as he pointed his thumb over his shoulder.
"We have a winner!" Chris announced "Harold and the Gaffers' clever prop The Taj Mastone!"
The winning team cheered and Trent took a moment to blow a kiss to Sammy. The nice twin blushed back.
"Which means," Chris said pushing Sammy aside so he was in focus. "we need a new tiebreaker!" The host continued with a scowl. "And I was hoping for the evening off. Instead," He regained his hostly smile. "gather ye some wood, campers, for a fire of the bon variety."
/
Trent is shown walking through the woods, carrying a bundle of sticks. He comes across a large tree and in front Sammy is picking up some wood of her own. "Hey, I know we've been doing challenges, but it feels like forever since we had any quality time together." Trent said.
Sammy nodded. "I know what you mean. It sucks having to compete against you. I'm just glad you're so supportive Trent."
"Of course." Trent smiled.
"But some of your teammates seemed mad." Sammy admitted.
"It's fine." The guitarist said.
"What if they vote you off?" The nice twin asked.
"Let me worry about that." he said.
"Well..okay." Sammy said. "I'd better get these back to the beach."
"I'll see you!" As the sweet twin walked off Trent sighed happily.
"Well isn't that sweet?" A droll voice remarked. Trent turned to see Noah coming out from behind a nearby tree.
"You don't need to be sarcastic about it." The guitarist frowned.
"She's right to be worried." The cynic confronted.
"I'm sure the team understands." Trent protested.
"Really? What happens if you're wrong Trent? If you get voted out, you'll be of no help to Sammy." Noah said, moving to stand in front of Trent. " So I suggest you rethink your actions Trent. Or you'll see just how 'understanding' the team is."
/
The sky is dark, and a full moon rises to show a passage of time as occurred. Chris claps his hands and several tiki torches, with an actual fire in the center, light up immediately. "Why did you have us gather firewood?!" Amy snapped at the host, giving in a glare.
"I needed some alone time," Chris deadpanned. "You think these hands manicure themselves?" He asked holding his hand out to the mean twin. "Which brings us to the tiebreaking challenge!" The surf tune began again as Chris began to show a sample of old timey dance moves. "A watusi-twist-mashed potato dorky old school dance contest!" he announced "Teams! Choose your best boogier for battle!"
Topher and Alejandro stepped forward at the same time, with the former quickly backing down. "I'm sure you're better at dancing than me." The blonde responded to his questioning look.
With the Grips Amy smirked. "Trent should go."
"I heard you have come cool moves." Gwen agreed.
"Unless Trent doesn't think he can go against his girlfriend's team?" Duncan challenged.
Trent swallowed. "Okay. I'll do it."
/
The boombox is shown as Chris pressing a button starting the funky surf music again as Trent and Alejandro squared off. "I hope you're prepared to lose." The Spaniard said.
"Bring it." Trent replied.
The two mean backed away from each other and it became clear that both were very talented. Trent's shoulder movements matched the music perfectly and his feet shuffled smoothly. Alejandro meanwhile, had the grace and poise of someone who is well acquainted with dance, and his hip movements were amazing, as was befitting of his Spanish heritage. Both teams were clearly impressed.
(Confessional)
Topher: Definitely made the right call. I'm an amazing dancer, but Alejandro's in a league of his own.
Static
Gwen: Wow I knew Trent was good, but not this good.
Static
Amber: (blushing heavily.) Oh, the song is right. Hips don't lie.
Static
Noah: It was fine. (A hand from off screen gives him a thumbs down.) What? That is a compliment from me.
Static
Trent is focused on as he continues to dance. He glances at Sammy, who smiles brightly at him. He looks over at Amy and Duncan who are watching him carefully, as well as Noah who gave him a nod.
(confessional)
Trent: I didn't want to be responsible for Sammy's team losing, but if I don't try my hardest Duncan and Amy will notice. As much as I hate to admit it, Noah's right. If I get voted out, I can't help Sammy at all. So…I have to win.
Static
Two men continued to dance and they seemed evenly matched. The camera showed Chris and Chef, who were frowning. "This could take a while to decide…unless."Chris smirked.
The focus shifted back to the two men dancing when out of nowhere a seashell nearly hit Trent. "What the heck?!" The focus briefly shifted to show Chef was holding an armload of seashells and Chris was throwing them. Trent did his best to continue dancing. Dodging the shells as best he could. Alejandro meanwhile was doing equally good job, just as it seemed the contest would never end, a seashell nearly hit Alejandro's face.
"Watch where you're throwing those!" The Spaniard protested, but it was no use as the next shell actually did hit his face. Alejandro fell to the ground clutching his face.
Meanwhile Trent moonwalked across the sand just as the song was coming to an end. "And we have a winner! Trent and the Killer Grips! Your reward? The greatest beach party ever pitched!" As the Killer Grips cheered Chris screamed as his face was hit by sand. "Ow! My eyes!"
The focus shifted to show Amber helping Alejandro off the ground. His right eye is already swelling a bit.. "That's for hitting my boyfriend!"
(Confessional)
Alejandro: (Sighs happily) Amber's so beautiful when she's taking revenge.
Static
Sammy caught Trent's eye and pointed. The guitarist smiled and followed.
/
Sammy and Trent are now in the woods like earlier. "I'm sorry I made your team lose."
Sammy shook her head. "Trent, that was amazing! I could never be mad at you for trying your hardest. As long as you're still nice to me I'll be okay."
"You sure?" Trent asked.
"Definitely. I have Alejandro to help remember?" Sammy told him.
Trent sighed. "Just be careful, he doesn't always give the best advice." Sammy smiled at him reassuringly and the two kissed.
/
The starry night sky is shown before the focus shifts down to the Killer Grips enjoying their party. Two large buffet tables full of food have been moved into the space where the dance contest was and everyone is enjoying themselves. The focus shifts left to show that by contrast the grips look downtrodden and jealous. Alejandro his holding an ice pack to his eye. "If the losing team could just follow me to the bus?" Chris said pointing over his shoulder. Chef arrived covered in oil and whispered into the host's ears Chris scowled. "Which is broken." The host regained his smile. "Which means the losers have to stay and watch their rivals gorge on victory, and poi."
/
At the party Ella is dancing with twirls and waves. "You must teach me those dance moves Trent. They were so interesting."
"Please, I dance better." Amy scoffed. She began to dance herself, her moves having a lot of stomps and clapping.
"You're reminding me of those awful pep rallies at school." Noah deadpanned.
Gwen shuddered. "I hate pep rallies."
"Whatever." Amy huffed.
The focus shifted left to show the Grips on another part of the beach, Crimson is sitting by the lake, Sammy on a rock, the rest were all standing. Alejandro sits down on the rock next to Sammy. The nice twin sighed. "I'm glad Trent gets to party, but It still sucks to lose. Amy's gonna rub it in my face."
"Like I said before you should stand against her. Show her that no matter what she thinks you can be as good as her! Then you rub it in his-" Alejandro paused his eyes wide. "her face!"
Sammy smiled a bit. "You know that sounds nice."
(confessional)
Alejandro: I'll admit. I may be projecting on to Sammy, but I meant every word. This season is my redemption after I placed fifth last season. I am going to win and I will make as many allies as possible to do so. With Topher and Amber in an alliance with me, and Sammy's leadership role I will be unstoppable. Helping Sammy is just a bonus.
A pause symbol appears on screen and Chris is shown watching the confessional in the recording room. "Wow, Alejandro's still as crafty as he is good looking. Maybe we're related? Hah he wishes."
"No I do not Chris. I do not." Alejandro said on the screen. Chris turned the screen off quickly. "Poor delusional guy could never even swim in my gene pool," he told the camera. "More importantly, tune in next time to watch more me!" He laughed again. "Aaand a few minutes of Alejandro...," he stood up. "on Total! Drama! Action!" The host walked off saying, "Which one of you geniuses left the two-way mic on?"
A/N: You know I considered bringing up the fact that nine is Trent's lucky number but I couldn't think of a way to do it naturally. Anyway I hope you like this version of the conflict with Trent. He wants to support Sammy, and he's worried about Alejandro which let's face it he probably should be. Alejandro might be trying to help Sammy but his advice is still villainous.
Since Trent wasn't going to cheat in the dance contest I needed another way to settle a tie, considering the other dancer was Alejandro. I figured Chris would get bored watching and eventually try to mess with the contestants so I hope that was a good solution.