It was exactly two years since the seventh season of Total Drama premiered. It was a change from all the other seasons; less danger, and more reliance on personality. When the show finished airing, it managed to bring in viewers on a level comparable to the very first season, prompting the network to give a green light to another season.

Now, the production team was back and ready to go. They were back at the re-founded Camp Wawanakwa just off the coast of Newfoundland, and had just finished setting up the campground. With hundreds of microphones & cameras in place, and more interns ready for the new season, it was finally time to start up the season. All eyes were on the host as the cameras panned in on him, ready to film.

"We're back again, Total Drama fans! It's your dashing host, Chris McLean, coming to you not live from Camp Wawanakwa," Chris reported as he stood on the Dock of Shame, "For this season, it will feature nine pairs of campers, made up of a former Total Drama camper, and one of their loved ones. In a game where the campers will have to deal with real-life relationships, how will they fare? Who will survive? And who will win? It'll all go down on this season. So grab ahold of something and get ready for Total...Drama...Double Trouble!"

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With Chris' introduction having finished and the new title sequence having played, the cameras panned in on the Dock of Shame, where Chris waited patiently for the campers to arrive. After a few minutes of waiting and drinking some tomato juice served to him by an intern, a submarine pulled up with the eighteen campers on board, leaving him excited as to who he got to see compete this season.

The first duo walked out of the submarine and onto the dock hand-in-hand. The Total Drama alumnus was known for her strategizing and willingness to take risks. Clad in the same outfit that she wore last season, she was instantly recognizable to the production crew. Don't let her 5'6" height and sixteen year-old age fool you; she was here to win.

"Welcome back, Rhythm," Chris greeted, "And who is your partner?"

Alongside Rhythm was a sixteen year-old American-born girl, standing 5'6" tall with an average figure, brown eyes, and with medium-length hair the colour of pink cotton candy. Clad in an outfit of an orange tank top, gray short-shorts, black high-tops, and a blue necklace, her outfit was bright and loud, much like her admiration for K-Pop music. The only thing that she liked more than K-Pop music was the girl next to her.

"This lovely lady is Dallas Lowry: my girlfriend," Rhythm revealed proudly.

"So you're Chris McLean," Dallas surmised, "You look shorter in person."

"Just stand over there," Chris ordered, causing the couple to walk over to the other end of the dock.

The second pair walked out onto the dock happily, glad to be in each other's embrace. The Total Drama alumus kept her head nuzzled into her boyfriend's chest, letting her fiery red hair rest on his chest. Standing 5'4" tall and full of competitive spirit, she was prepared to go deep in the competition, and was ready to do it with her partner by her side.

"Good to see you, Katelyn," Chris welcomed before turning to face her partner, "And who's this guy?"

Katelyn's partner kept her in his Ethiopian-born embrace, standing 5'6" tall at eighteen years of age and with a fit figure. With short, black hair in a scissor cut and sporting an outfit of a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers, he seemed like an average teenager. But back home, he wasn't average; he was the leader of his school's robotics team. In his mind, if he could understand the programming behind robotics, he could understand the strategy required to succeed in Total Drama.

"I'm Damien Olla, and I'm not just 'this guy'; I'm her boyfriend," Damien corrected, "We'll just be over there, if you don't mind."

"Fine by me," Chris remarked, allowing the couple to join Rhythm & Dallas.

"So this is the lucky guy?" Rhythm asked.

"Yes he is," Katelyn confirmed as Damien kissed her cheek.

The third duo walked out the submarine carefully, hoping to not fall into the water and ruin their clothes. The Total Drama alumnus strutted confidently, sporting a black, quiff hairstyle and carrying his sixteen year-old, 5'6", skinny frame with him. Dressed in the same outfit that he wore last season, he was dressed in preparation to play the game the only way that he knew how: to go out and try to be a leader.

"Zeyad Farnas, welcome back," Chris greeted, "And your friend is...?"

Walking with Zeyad was a boy of Swedish heritage, proudly showing off his outfit of a sky blue hoodie, black jeans, and brown sneakers. Complete with his short, side-parted blonde hair and blue eyes, he was certainly eye candy. Standing at 5'6" with a skinny figure and sixteen years of age, no one would automatically assume that he was an actor known for his captivating emotional output, and he wanted to use that to his advantage.

"I'm Cole Persson," Cole revealed before placing his arm around Zeyad, "Zeyad's boyfriend."

"Love ya', baby," Zeyad declared as he turned to kiss Cole.

"Good job for you two," Chris remarked as the couple walked over to the other duos, "Man, where are all the non-couple duos?"

Chris' question was answered when the fourth duo leapt out of the submarine, doing side flips as they landed on the dock. The Total Drama alumnus showed his proficiency in flips last season, but was better known for his genius-level I.Q.. Clad in his signature outfit, he came back to win, and was ready to call on all his skills to do so.

"Fan-favourite Daniel Trieu," Chris narrated, "And his partner..."

The 5'10", twenty-three year-old man with an average physique standing next to Daniel was easily the oldest camper of the season, but by no means was he mature. Clad in a brown t-shirt, blue shorts, and brown sneakers, he was ready to do some freerunning. And with his quiff-style brown hair flowing in the wind and his hazel eyes shining in the sunlight, he was ready to do it all while looking good.

"Mr. Ariton Alla," Ariton replied, "Let's go, dude."

"Hey guys!" Daniel greeted as he walked up to the present three duos, "Good to see you all again."

"Good to see you too," Rhythm agreed, waving.

The fifth duo walked onto the dock with caution. For the Total Drama alumnus, she didn't want a repeat of what happened when she arrived last year. Last season, she was quite timid, and simply wanted to play the nicest game that she could. But after being taken advantage of, she's back to prove that she can hang with the big players. Don't let her 5'2", sixteen year-old frame deceive you; she packs a punch.

"Little Ms. Callie Northcott," Chris noted, smiling at his favourite camper, "And who's your friend?"

Coming with Callie was a sixteen year-old French teenager, standing 5'4" with a skinny frame. As an amateur fashion designer, she took great care to ensure that her physical appearance was no less than pretty. Evidenced by her long, wavy black hair, green t-shirt, black jeans, teal flats, and brown glasses, she was serious about both her looks, and the game. She didn't come all the way here to lose.

"Alina Lyon," Alina answered, "Nice shirt, Chris."

"Y'know, I've pretty much been wearing the same kind of outfit for the past twelve years, and no one has commented on it before. Thanks!" Chris thanked, flattered.

The sixth duo walked across the dock in synchronicity; sort of fitting considering that they were identical twins. The Total Drama alumnus walked confidently, ready to take in his second chance at the game. After being voted out second last time around, he was ready to prove that he's more than just a 'second-out' guy; he's here to go all the way.

"Fedor Meyer....and his clone!" Chris rationalized.

The only similarities between Fedor & his twin were their DNA, height, hair colour & style, and family relatives; otherwise, they were two different people. While Fedor dressed seriously, Spencer sported a looser outfit, consisting of a red, buttoned t-shirt, brown shorts, brown sneakers, and green glasses. As for his personality, he never liked Fedor's gambling attitude, preferring to stay in his room and write stories.

"I'm Spencer Meyer," Spencer announced, "We're twins."

"Yeah, like I didn't know from the start," Chris remarked rhetorically, "Just stand with the others."

The seventh duo brought back the theme of romantic partners competing together. For the Total Drama alumnus, she was ready to have some fun on her second time around. Last season, she tried her hardest to strategize and her run ended in ninth. This time, she wanted to relax a little bit, enjoy being around people she knows, and make some new friends. But if she won a million dollars along the way, she definitely wouldn't complain.

"Veronica Dunleavy: the flirt who got tied down?" Chris asked, noting her partner's arm around her.

In a way, Chris wasn't wrong: Veronica's partner; the twenty year-old Chinese man with an average physique, black side-parted hair and standing 5'8" tall was her boyfriend. Dressed in a mahogany hoodie, navy blue jeans, black sneakers, and black glasses, he appeared to be a fairly laidback guy. But in reality, he was one-quarter of the freerunning quartet known as Lavenderia Technicale, allowing him to be wild and spontaneous with his athleticism.

"My name's Kavan Zhou, thanks for asking," Kavan remarked sarcastically, "And she's not tied down; it's an equal relationship."

"Right.......just go over there," Chris ordered, allowing the couple to join the other duos.

The eighth duo arrived on the island, announcing their presence with a simultaneous 'Wooooooo!". As for the Total Drama alumnus, he was certainly original: standing 5'9" at twenty years-of-age with a fit figure, he certainly put on the image of masculinity. This, combined with his bright, white hair, showed how he was ready to play the game similar to how he played during the last season: wild and strong.

"Tory Eskerson; the punk rocker," Chris recalled, "And your girlfriend?"

Chris was right; the nineteen year-old girl with ice blonde hair in a ponytail and 5'7", fit frame was Tory's girlfriend. Sporting a blue t-shirt, brown short-shorts, and brown flats, she certainly dressed in preparation for the physical challenges. As for her history with Tory, it existed before they even began dating; she happened to be the lead vocalist of Tory's band.

"Annie Mullin, thank you," Annie remarked before kissing Tory and walking with him to the other duos.

"Nice catch, man!" Ariton congratulated as he gave Tory a high-five.

"It was a lucky catch," Tory admitted, smiling at Annie.

"Yep," Annie agreed as she kissed Tory once again.

The ninth and final duo jumped onto the dock and strutted down the dock confidently. The Total Drama alumnus had a very good reason to be confident; she won the last time that she was here. Sporting the same outfit that she wore last time, and with her purple-streaked, brown hair flowing in a side braid, this twenty year-old, 5'8" winner was not to be messed with.

"And the winner from last season: Amalia Rahela-Filipescu!" Chris announced, causing the other campers to clap and cheer, "And who is with you today?"

The woman standing with Amalia was of Chinese heritage, twenty years-of-age, 5'6" with a slim physique and long, black hair. Wearing a purple t-shirt, brown short-shorts, gray sneakers, and black glasses, she seemed to be a pretty chill person. For the most part, that was true; but with her being friends with Amalia, she couldn't help but try to be more rebellious, but also kept an emphasis on her schooling.

"I'm Karlie Zhao," Karlie announced, "Great to be here!"

"You won't think that in a few minutes..." Chris muttered before talking normally again, "Feel free to join the others over there."

"My pleasure," Amalia agreed as she ran over to hug Daniel, "Love ya'."

"We should probably wait a bit, Amalia," Daniel suggested, causing them both to chuckle.

"Man, it's great to be back," Chris muttered to himself.

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With each of the campers having been introduced, Chris lead the eighteen of them over to the campfire area, where Chris reminded them that this is where they'd have to vote someone out every time they lost a challenge. However, in contrast to the other seasons, he didn't mention that eliminated campers couldn't come back, making the present campers hopeful that being voted out wasn't the end for them in the competition. In addition, he reminded them that the next six weeks would be some of the most intense weeks of the lives, that they should keep their relationships and friendships in check, and of the prize at the end: $1,000,000.

"For this season, as you all know, we've brought on nine duos," Chris reminded, "However, you won't be competing in duos."

"Huh. Oh well. There goes my theory." *chuckles*- Daniel

"Aww. I was really hoping to compete alongside Alina. Hopefully we still can during the season."- Callie

"Damn. I thought that it'd be a duo free-for-all. I was looking forward to Kavan and I dominating the others."- Veronica

"But for the purpose of picking teams, you will be picked in duos, just to make things interesting," Chris revealed, "We're gonna do an old-fashioned schoolyard pick. There will be two duos whom will be team captains; they will alternate picks to select their teammates until each team has four duos on them."

"Wait!" Daniel called out, "There are nine duos though. That doesn't split evenly."

"Good note, Daniel," Chris praised semi-sarcastically, "There's nine teams, and each duo team captain will pick three duos to be with them. That means.....one team won't get picked."

"Are you f**kin' serious? Is there actually gonna be an elimination on the first day?"- Ariton

"I don't want to go yet! I haven't even gotten the chance to compete in a challenge yet!"- Annie

"I don't think it's fair to eliminate a duo right off the bat, but if it happens, it happens."- Spencer

"What will happen to that team? I will reveal that when the time comes," Chris declared, "As for our team captains, the producers and I decided to give the honour to the two campers who made the finals last season, as well as their partners."

Everyone knew who to turn to; at the moment Chris finished his sentence, Amalia & Rhythm began cheering, with their partners: Karlie & Dallas, cheering with them. As the two duos made their way over to the bleachers (where Chris told them to go), the remaining duos gazed at them, wondering if they were liked enough by them to be picked. None of them wanted to be picked last; it was the simple symbol of loneliness and non-admiration.

"Amalia, since you won last season, you and Karlie get the first pick for your team," Chris declared, "And by looking at the other teams, I'm pretty sure I know who you're picking."

"I agree entirely," Amalia agreed before turning to face the other teams, "Just come here, baby."

"Yes!" Daniel cheered as he ran over to Amalia and hugged her tightly, "This is quite ideal."

"Dude, save the touching for the bedroom," Ariton joked, laughing soon after.

"I would've been surprised if Amalia didn't pick Daniel for our team. I'll let her have her fun. As for Ariton, he seems like he'll be a good physical competitor, so I'm happy with the choice."- Karlie

"No surprise: Amalia & Karlie pick Daniel & Ariton," Chris declared, "Rhythm & Dallas, it's your turn."

"We're gonna go with Veronica & Kavan," Rhythm declared.

"Yeah girl!" Veronica exclaimed as her and Kavan ran hand-in-hand over to Rhythm & Dallas.

"It's the best decision we could've made. Veronica was Rhythm's closest ally for a long time last season, and she's a pretty good physical competitor too. And Kavan's a freerunner, so we won't have to worry about him either."- Dallas

"Not a bad choice," Chris commented, "Amalia & Karlie, it's your turn again."

"Trust me," Amalia insisted, whispering to Karlie, "They're stronger than they look."

"Alright," Karlie agreed, "We've decided to pick Callie & Alina."

"Yay!" Callie cheered as she leapt into Alina's arms, allowing the latter to carry the former to their new team, "Thanks, Amalia!"

"No problem, girl," Amalia replied, smiling.

"Aside from Daniel, Callie was the biggest reason why I won last season. I owe it to her to at least have her on my team."- Amalia

"Rhythm & Dallas, it's your turn again," Chris declared.

"Are you sure about them?" Dallas asked, whispering to Rhythm.

"I think it's our best bet," Rhythm insisted.

"Well, I trust you," Dallas remarked before raising her voice, "We'll pick Tory & Annie!"

"Awesome!" Tory exclaimed as him and Annie ran towards Rhythm & Dallas, "You won't regret it."

"Let's hope not..." Rhythm muttered under her breath.

"I picked Tory because I know that he's a good physical competitor; he should be able to help my team beat Amalia's team in physical competitions. As for Annie, I just hope that she isn't too b*tchy."- Rhythm

"Amalia & Karlie, you're up again," Chris declared, "Remember: this will be your last pick, so make it worth it."

"I'm starting to think that being paired with my twin was a bad idea. I mean, Fedor was never a popular guy on the first season, so I'm kinda worried that they'll kick us both out without a chance."- Spencer

"I can see why they might not want to pick Zeyad and I; we're the weakest couple here when it comes to strength. I just hope that they give us a chance."- Cole

"I'm a bit surprised that Katelyn & I haven't been picked yet, but I don't know if I should say anything. On one hand, I don't want to go home yet, but I don't know if our fates are sealed yet."- Damien

"We decided to pick Zeyad and Cole," Amalia declared.

"Yay!" Zeyad & Cole exclaimed as they hugged and jumped up and down, "Thanks!"

"They sure are enthusiastic," Karlie remarked.

"Hopefully they can take that energy and put it into a good challenge performance," Amalia expressed.

"Not gonna lie, I was hesitant to pick Zeyad and Cole. But Amalia claimed that they'll be loyal to us, so I'll trust them for now. But I'm a bit concerned over how they'll fair in challenges."- Karlie

"And we're down to the final two duos," Chris noted, staring at Fedor & Spencer and Katelyn & Damien, "Rhythm & Dallas, you two have to make the final pick."

"I'm actually shocked. I get that I wasn't that nice last time, but I'm not gonna make the same mistake this time! C'mon girls, choose me and my twin!"- Fedor

"I know that I had a bit of a big mouth last time, but I've realized what I did wrong and I'm back to make things right! But at this point, I don't know if they'll give me the chance."- Katelyn

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"From what I remember about Fedor & Katelyn from last season, they weren't liked very much on their teams. What sucks is that we have to choose the lesser of two evils."- Dallas

"It's a tough call, but I think I know who is less likely to hurt us. This could come back to bite us in the butt, but I'm willing to take this risk."- Rhythm

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"Our last pick is Katelyn & Damien," Dallas declared, allowing the selected duo to sigh in relief.

"Thank God," Katelyn remarked before turning and kissing her boyfriend, "I love you, baby."

"Just get over here, lovebirds," Rhythm insisted.

"Even though Fedor & Katelyn can both be jerks, Katelyn and I were actually able to work together last season. Yes, we didn't get anything done, but she showed that she can be an ally for me. Fedor hasn't proved anything, and I'm not willing to let him stay just to find out."- Rhythm

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"I can't believe we didn't get picked!"- Fedor

"Really?"- Spencer

"Nah; I get that people don't like me."- Fedor

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"Alright, on the blue team, henceforth known as the Multiple Mole-Rats are Amalia, Karlie, Daniel, Ariton, Callie, Alina, Zeyad, and Cole," Chris declared, "And on the green team, henceforth known as the Observant Owls, are Rhythm, Dallas, Veronica, Kavan, Tory, Annie, Damien, and Katelyn."

"What about us?" Fedor interjected, "We don't have a team!"

"Well, that means that Fedor & Spencer, you haven't been picked by either team," Chris noted.

"Yeah, we figured that out," Spencer noted, "Well guys, these past ten minutes have been pretty cool, I guess. Good luck!"

"Woah, bro; we're not leaving yet," Fedor corrected, "Chris is probably just gonna split us up and we'll join separate teams."

"Nope," Chris interrupted, "That's not happening."

"So we're actually going home first?!" Fedor asked, now scared.

"No...and if you'd let me speak, I'd be glad to explain," Chris insisted, "Now, being picked last sucks. But on this show, being picked last is a blessing. What all of you didn't know was that this is actually your first challenge!"

"Are you f**king kidding me?"- Amalia

"Hmm...I don't know how to feel about this..."- Daniel

"I've got a bad feeling about this..."- Tory

"As the returning campers know, having a competent team is very important," Chris reminded, "Fedor & Spencer, as a consolation prize for not being picked, you get to pick who you think is the better of the two teams. Whichever team you pick will be given immunity from tonight's vote."

"I have a ques-!" Spencer began before being pulled back by Fedor, "What?"

"We need to think this one through," Fedor declared, "This is a decision that could determine whether or not we make it far in the game."

"What's the big deal?" Spencer asked, "We're just picking a team to win."

"Think about it: we pick one team to win, and we make eight people happy. But we're also making eight people unhappy," Fedor noted, trying to make a point, "We need to figure out who we don't want to make angry."

"Well..." Spencer muttered as he gazed at the two teams, "I honestly think that Amalia's team is better."

"No duh; they have the 1st and 3rd place finishers from last season on their team," Fedor agreed, "But do you think that Chris is gonna put us on the winning team or the losing team?"

"Knowing Chris, probably the losing team," Spencer answered.

"If we give Amalia's team the victory, we're going to the weaker team, which leaves us vulnerable to be voted out, " Fedor noted, "Is that what we want?"

"No, but this loss would motivate the team to win next time," Spencer reminded, "If you really think that we're assets to a team, the weaker team would need to keep us around in order to win challenges, right?"

As the twins debated their options, the two teams waited patiently in their bleachers for their decision. Both teams had similar feelings; they all had avoided Fedor & Spencer based solely on Fedor's reputation from the previous season. They were all worried that their conscious decision to not pick them would immediately backfire.

"Do you think they'll pick us?" Damien asked to Katelyn.

"Maybe," Katelyn replied, "I honestly don't know."

"C'mon man..." Tory muttered to himself, "We were bros....pick us...."

"I don't think he can hear you, babe," Annie expressed, talking to Tory.

"Well they're not doing any praying; I might as well try," Tory noted, pointing to the other team.

"Does Fedor like you?" Amalia asked to Daniel.

"Him and I talked a bit after the show; I doubt that he hates me," Daniel admitted, "But who knows what he's thinking."

"It looks like we're about to find out," Alina remarked as Fedor & Spencer faced the two teams.

"We've come to a decision!" Fedor announced, "We've decided that the Mole-Rat Team is the better team."

"Alright then," Chris remarked as the Multiple Mole-Rats began cheering, "The Multiple Mole-Rats have won immunity and the right to stay in the luxurious mini-mansion for the night!"

With that, the eight members of the winning team continued their cheering and hugging, elated that they started the season with a win. As for the eight members of the other team, they didn't know what they were more upset with: the fact that they had to vote someone off, or the fact that two people were directly responsible for making them lose.

"And as a consolation prize for losing, the Observant Owls get two extra members!" Chris announced, surprising everyone, "Fedor & Spencer, join your new team!"

"Aw man..." Rhythm groaned, upset.

"At least we know who we're voting off tonight," Dallas rationalized.

"Oh, and just to give them a fair chance, I'm granting Fedor & Spencer individual immunity for tonight's elimination ceremony," Chris declared, causing the twins to cheer, while the remainder of the Observant Owls sulked.

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"Looks like luck might be on our side for once! We're not going home tonight, bro!"- Fedor

"Yeah, but our team probably hates our guts."- Spencer

"Doesn't matter; we're in the power position now. They're gonna come to us for help in voting someone out, and that gives us the chance to show that we're not complete douches!"- Fedor

*mumbles* "At least one of us isn't..."- Spencer

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"Campers, you all may grab your bags and settle into your respective rooms. And a reminder to the Observant Owls: you'll have to vote someone out tonight," Chris reminded, "You have a few hours to talk and figure out what you're doing. You may go."

With that, the eighteen campers took off towards their respective lodgings. Without a physical challenge to observe, there wasn't much for Chris to judge them on. But with the thoughts of a battle between returning campers and new campers brewing in his mind, he couldn't help but feel hopeful for a good season.

"This oughta' be a good one," Chris remarked as he turned towards the main camera, "Who will emerge on the Mole-Rats? Will Fedor & Spencer be able to earn favour in their team? And who will be voted out first? Find out when we return after the break on Total...Drama...Double Trouble!"

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A/N: And there's the first chapter of the first episode for the season. I apologize for its extreme length; it was unavoidable. Now that you've been introduced to the campers, even though it's a bit early, I'm interested on how you think the season will play out. If you want, comment down below on who you want to win/who you think has the best chance to win this season. Maybe throw in a final two prediction as well if you want. Hope you enjoyed!