Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Inside the interior padded room of the therapy office, Chris McLean laid across in a comfortable therapy chair. He nervously fidgeted his hands, clasping his fingers together as he felt his callouses. Chris’ four o-clock shadow remained on his face as his hair was tied up in a bun now. He wore a red ascot around his shirt while wearing nice blue pants. 

tick. tock. tick. tock. 

The door opened and in walked the therapist, tapping his own on their clipboard. 

The Therapist sat down across on his own chair, looking at Chris calmly. And McLean returns with a nervous smile as he fidgeted his hands some more.

“Well, Mr. McLean, it’s been almost 2 years since you’ve first checked in.” The Therapist leaned back in his seat, raises an eyebrow “And today, is your last day.”

Chris chuckled, giving a small nod as he had a stoic and yet somber look on his face “Yes, indeed it did doc.”

The Therapist wrote down on his clipboard and stared through his glasses, softly talking “Do you believe you’re ready to reenter society?”

Chris takes a deep sigh as he leaned against the chair, looking up at the ceiling while pursing his lips “I…think so. Yes, I really do think so. These last few years have been rough for me. But I think I’m ready to begin a new life, a-a better life. It’s just…it’ll be hard. I’ve already gotten used to this spotlight, and the money. And the girls.”

The Therapist gave a small chuckle, shaking his head “I understand, this is definitely a transition period for you McClean. But the best idea is to get away from the spotlight, distant yourself from your past. Make a routine for yourself. Reconnect with your family. Soon enough? These last seven years will look like a distant dream. You’re 32, and you still have your whole life ahead of you.”

Chris stayed silent before he nodded, smiling softly “I get that. I understand doctor. Thank you. Today is a new day for me.”

The Therapist smiled softly and nodded. 

McLean soon exited the “rehabilitation center”; really a sorta upscale mental hospital, staring around the courtyard while taking a deep breath into the cool air. 

Somehow smelled better today.

Chris walked, his luggage in his hand while he walked with purpose outside the gates and onto the sidewalk. He waited, looking down  at his rolex as he whistled and tapped his foot. Any moment now.

Right at the moment, a car pulls up and window rolls down, and Chef Hatchet was in the driver’s seat. Chef’s sense of fashion definitely changed in two years, wearing a lavender shirt and khakis, but he was still the same bald, large and in charge chef that Chris still knew him as.
 
“Been a while. Huh?” Chef Hatchet smirked as he leaned back.

Chris smirked back as he placed his bag in the back of the car “Not long enough, Chef. Not long enough.”

Chris opens the door and sits in the passenger seat, the two sighing deeply as Chris shuts the door and puts his seatbelt on.

“So. Five star resort?” Chef asked.

Chris smirked “You know it.”

Chef stared out in the skyline of Ontario, taking in the pretty lights as he takes a sip of his tea. Chris was on the other bed in the hotel room, flipping between channels on the TV.

”Still nice skies.” Chef sighs softly.

”Mhm.” Chris nodded.

“So, Chris, what’s the plan with you man? Gonna head back to Newfoundland?” Chef asks, smiling as he took a sip of his tea.

Chris paused and he stopped flipping between channels. He slowly got up and brushed himself down, sorta trying to deflect as he turned away “Uhhh, well you know. I was thinking and I still had a few plans here that well, you know…”

Chef raised an eyebrow, confused “Plans? What plans?” 

Chris began to chuckle as he scratched his head “Well you know! I gotta call my agents back, my network and try to you know discuss some things with them.”

Chef’s expression drops as he stares at Chris, and he leaned back in his seat “Chris..”

”Yeah, Chef?” Chris turned back, smiling.

Chef was silent for a moment, frowning “You…gotta stop.” 

“Wh-What?” Chris began to laugh nervously “What are you, talking about?”

“Total Drama is finished man,  it had a good run but the ratings fell hard after revenge.” Chef sighed deeply as he put his leg up “It”s just…too much man.”

Chris’ smile slightly dropped as he groaned “O-Oh come on Chef, I know we’ve had a few pitfalls a few years ago, but listen! That doesn’t mean it’s dead!” He assured as he grinned “We can still save the show!”

“Chris, please man. You’re lucky the network bailed you out after the last season!” Chef told him, giving him a look.

Chris had a clear agitation in his voice as he gave a sigh and shook his head before smiling “Look! Chef, I’ll call them.”

”Chris…”

“You’ll see! How much money did Total Drama give them opening day?” Chris points.

Chef sighs as he concedes and nodded “A lotta money-“

”A lotta money, that’s right!” Chris interrupts “I got these guys down to a science! They’ll greenlight another season. We’ll get some new contestants and everything will be good! You’ll see it!”

Chef slumped his shoulders as he looked at Chris some mixture of pity and defeat sighing as he stands up “Whatever you say man. I’m gonna get some ice and room service, you just, don’t go crazy.”

Chris pulled out his phone as Chef left the room and he dialed a number, holding the phone up in his ear as he grinned and began to hum under his breath. The phone registered.

”No, Chris.” The voice of The Network Executive, Mr. Newman, answered immediately.

Chris’ eyes widened for a moment as he stammered “W-Wait, Mr. Newman, just let me explain.”

 “Chris. Stop it. Just stop it.” He halts him in his tracks “We gave you multiple chances already and you ruined them. Well went to shit.”

”Okay, look, I know there’s been a few slip ups with-“

”Slip ups? Slip ups?!” Mr. Newman spoke in agitated tone as his tone gets louder “You wanna call those almost 50 lawsuits against the contestants, slip ups?!”

Chris groaned “Newman-“

”How about the laws you’ve broken here, McLean?! Child Endangerment! Illegal dumping of hazardous race-you already spent a year in prison over that, by the way! Illegally making an artificial island?! How do you do that Chris?!”

Cheis was stumped for words at that. That was weird.

”And should we not mention Ezekiel and Dakota, shall we? It’s a MIRACLE we were able to get you that fucking pit!”

“And I appreciate it every time!” Chris laughed nervously “B-But listen! I’m better now! A lotta fuck ups on my part, I agree! But look now! I’ve gotten medication! I’m healed! I’m rehabilitates, a change man!”

“McLean we’re here to make money, All Stars and Pahkitew were like, the WORST seasons you made dude.” Newman sighed.

“That wasn’t my FAULT!” McLean whined like a petulant child.

“Even if we wanted to agree and greenlight another season! Who!? No sane parents are gonna let their children on this show!” Mr. Newman yelled “We won’t have any contestants!”

”Than get the old ones!” Chris said.

”Oh my god!”

”No! No! Listen! Those contestants aren’t minors anymore! They’re grown adults! And their contracts are still applies to them, you know that! The lawsuits did it null their contracts!” Chris told him.

“For what? All-Star season 2?! Ridonculous Race already managed to crack better ratings! By long shot! We’re getting a second season already. Face it McLean, you are old. News.”

Old News.

Old News. 

OLD. NEWS. 

Chris’ eyes widened hearing that as he felt his chest begin to get heavy. His heart began to pound in his chest, and he felt his knees buckle while a cold sweat adorned his forehead.

”N-No..no no! No! Mr. Newman! Please! I-I begging you! Give me another chance!”

”Chris.”

”PLEASE!” Chris yelled, falling into his knees as tears pricked at his eyes “PLEASE! T-THIS ALL CAN’T BE FOR NOTHING! I CAN’T LEAVE LIFE LIKE THIS! PLEASE, MR. NEWMAN! PLEASE!” 

“McLean.” Newman’s voice was more firmer. 

Chris covered his mouth with his hand, tears beginning to pour down his face “Please….please. I need this….this is…all I got…”

There was just silence as McLean continued quietly sobbing and Mr. Newman huffed “Stop your crying McLean…seriously man.”

Chris began to sniffled, wiping his tears with his hand as he breathed heavily over the phone, his heartbeat still steadying.

“…..ugh.” Mr. Newman sighed for a moment “One more chance, McLean.”

The Host’s smile grows now as his eyes widened, tears still falling as Mr. Newman grumbles and then sighs.

”You win. You get one more season to fix what you fucked up. But you fail? You’re done. For good.” Mr. Newman warned.

”Oh! Oh thank you, Mr. Newman! Thank you!” Chris cheered with renewed vigor and glee.

”But I have my conditions! One, I don’t want these small bite sized cast members anymore. No more 13 or 14 characters, I want a larger cast. Go big or go home. 30, contestants, Chris.” Mr. Newman explained “Bring people from the three generations back, we still have their contracts, and I’m gonna throw in some guys from the Ridonculous Race in just so we can ensure some more ratings.”

Chris laughed, nodding “Understood! Completely!”

”And no fucking sadism! I don’t want any lawsuits, any toxic waste and for fuck sake, NO artificial islands!” He shouts through the phone.

Chris took a steady breath as he slowly picked himself up off the ground “Okay….okay.”

After a moment of silence, Mr. Newman simply said “Don’t fuck this up, McLean.”

The call hanged up and Chris drops the phone, staring out the window of Ontario. 

Chef entered the hotel room with a bucket of ice and he stops.

”Chris? You good?”

Chris turns around, facing Chef,  a huge grin plastered on his face “WE’RE BACK! BABY!”

His teeth glimmered. 

Chapter Text

Camp Wawanakwa. Isn’t it a beauty?

Chris McLean walked onto the broken-down dock at the dingy summer camp, on his phone. The camp was being fixed up by interns, the crew, and Chef. The Island was covered in water and looks more like a swampy area than a summer camp.

“Okay, I’m at Camp Wawanakwa now! Man, I miss this place.” Chris laughs slightly, looking around.

He steps on a part of the dock, and his foot goes straight through the rotting wood and he quickly pulls out and side steps it.

“Just do the first episode McLean and don’t screw it up. Treat them well, and give them a goddamn good meal once in a while!” Mr. Newman says to him.

“I won’t let you down sir!” Chris promises, grinning ear to ear.

“Yeah, alright. Remember! I could always give Don another season!” Mr. Newman smugly comments as he hangs up.

Chris shuts his phone and places it in his pocket, taking a deep, long breath as he kept his eyes closed. Chef slowly approached.

“Yo, Chris? You ready?” Chef asks, somewhat nervous about how this will turn out.

“I was born ready man!” Chris turns back and gives his usual grin.

Chef nods, looking at a clipboard before holding up his hand “Alright. Here we go.Starting in 3, 2, 1, now.”

Chris turns to the camera and gives a wide smile “Hello, Hello! Welcome old fans! Did anyone miss me? Haha!”

Chris walks across the doc, quick-stepping as he avoids holes “Now, I will admit, the two seasons we did before were not the best in the world, but hey, we are back to our roots! No more toxic waste. No more artificial islands! And because of my 32 months in Uh…” He pauses, his smile still on his face as his eyes drifted off camera before he recovers and stares back “…vacation, I am now much calmer and saner! No more demented host here!”

Chef looks to the side nervously before walking off.

“Now, here’s the deal. 30 contestants! 10 from the original show! 8 from revenge, 6 from the Pahkitew, and 6 from the Ridiculous Race!”  Chris pauses and looks to the side before maintaining his smile “Now, like always, the rules are simple. After every competition, unless stated otherwise , will have a dramatic campfire ceremony, and whoever doesn’t get a marshmallow leaves Total Drama Island for good!” Chris grins “Shall we get started? Cause this is Total! Drama! Island! Returns!”

Insert the intro.

“Alright! Let’s begin!” Chris grins again “Now, we were gonna have the contestants jump out of a plane, but…I decided that we should go right back to basics,” Chris explains “So, the contestants will be arriving by boat. One for each contestant starting from each generation. They haven’t been told who’s with who. For fun! Alright! Let’s start!”

A boat starts driving up towards the dock and stops at the side. The door opens and Duncan jumps out onto the dock, looks around the island, and sighs.

Duncan got slightly hefty after his stint in All Stars. He kept his Mohawk, and his piercings, but had a broader shoulders and a taller appearance. He even grew out his Mohawk  a little.

“Duncan! What’s up, my man?” Chris exclaims.

Duncan sighs again “Well, color me intrigued. I did miss this old summer camp. Heard you got released.”

“Rehabilitated man!” Chris grins and holds out a fist bump.

Duncan raises an eyebrow and after a moment of hesitation fists bump him back “You ain’t gonna try and kill us, right?”

Chris laughs “Trust me, that’s old Chris! This is new Chris!”

“Alrighty….” Duncan walks to the end of the dock.

“Coming in second!” Chris looks over at the second boat coming in.

Duncan was leaning against the pier and biting his lip, almost worried a little.

Walking down the boat onto the dock was Harold, who had a bit of a beard going on, yet was still his lengthy self. He also lacked glasses, switching them with contact lenses, and now wore an orange jumper.

“Harold! What’s up, man?!” Chris greets.

Harold looks around, scratching his beard as he nodded “Well, can’t say I’m excited. But I hope that it’ll a better season.”

Chris laughs at that “Trust me! Things are gonna be different.”

Harold nods and looks over at Duncan, who crosses his arms while Harold walks over, standing a bit away from Duncan.

“So, it’s been a while, Huh?” Harold asks.

Duncan exhales “Yeah, it Uh, it has…”

Harold pauses and scratches his neck “Uh…how are….Gwen or Uh…Courtney doing?”

“Haven’t….talked to them in a while…after All-Stars.” Duncan looks to the side.

“Oh, Uh, right…sorry.” Harold felt pity for the old delinquent despite the fact he was a total ass to him in the early days. He couldn’t really be mad though, they were teenagers after all.

“How’s LeShawna? You kept in contact with her?” Duncan asks, looking over at Harold.

He nods “Yeah, a little. She’s doing fine. She’s in Los Angelos I think, so I don’t think she’ll be here.”

Duncan gives a chuckle and nodded “Good for her.”

The next boat comes in and both seemed surprised as Izzy strolled onto the desk. She had a huge grin on her face, her long orange hair even more curly as she wore an orange sweater and wore her green leafy skirt.

“Hey, Chris!! Hi!! Man! Good to be back at Wawanakwa!” Izzy was laughing as she was spinning around.

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Izzy!” Chris shows off.

Duncan and Harold sigh as Duncan shakes his head “Well, all these years haven’t changed Izzy.”

Izzy gasps as she sees Duncan and Harold and she immediately runs over to the two and hugs them tightly “MAN! IT’S BEEN A WHILE, GUYS! Duncan! I thought you were in jail!”

Duncan and Harold get out of her strength and Duncan brushes himself off “Yeah, I know. I manage to get out after a few months.”

Izzy laughs “Oh! Your lost! Prison is fun after a while!”

Harold sighs and shakes his head as he leaned back. Chris looks over at the next boat hits the dock and out, Noah, looking pretty regular as always. Not much of a change with him.

“Noah is next up!” Chris says as he turns to Noah “Great to have you back Noah!”

“Can’t believe you talked me into another season.” Noah looks annoyed at Chris, his nosed wrinkled.

“Don’t worry Noah!” Izzy grins as she called out “Chris won’t try to brutally maim us!”

Noah rolls his eyes as he walks past Chris “That’s reassuring.”

Chris mumbled something under his breath as he looked away. Duncan dabbed Noah up as Izzy gave him and hugging and swinger him around.

“Yay! Noah!!” Izzy cheered.

“Ack! Hey Izzy!” Noah groaned as he moved back.

“So, Noah. How’s it been? You still with Emma?” Duncan asks.

“Yeah, it’s slow but she’s working on her law degree more and I’m getting into IT.” Noah sighs as he leans against the pier.

“That’s great man. Good for you.” Harold smiles and pats his back.

Noah chuckles and tries to keep his stoic attitude as he looks to the side, however, he was smiling on the inside  “Yeah, whatever.”

The next boat comes in and just by the voice alone they all knew who it was “WOO-HOO!”

They all turned and there was Owen, still his charming large self as other, laughing as he pulls Chris into a full bear hug “Chris! It’s been so long MAN!”

Chris gives a small chuckle as he gets crushed by Owen “Owen! It isn’t a season without you man!”

Owen laughs as he lets go of Chris and then runs over to the others and pulls them all into a bear hug “HEY YOU GUYYS!”

The four grunt softly as Izzy laughs “Hey big guyyy! It’s been too long!”

“You haven’t changed at all, Owen.” Harold muffles out.

“Come on, Owen. We met last week already.” Noah gived amused laugh.

Owen lets them go “I know! It’s just! Yeah! Can you believe it!? Another season right back on the island! It’ll be just like old times!”

“That’s right Owen, but with higher ratings!” Chris grins.

Duncan chuckles half heatedly “Oh, there’s the old Chris again.”

Chris stops and his smile fades as he looked hurt for a brief moment, before he shakes it off, laughing “Oh, you’ll Uh...see!”

They all look at each other as the next boat dock and Owen laughs.

“I’m gonna give the biggest bear hug to the next-AHHH!” Owen jumps back and everyone else, apart from Izzy, looks on edge.

Eva was standing at the front of the dock, bags under her eyes as she stares at everyone with discomfort.

“Hey, come on guys, no need on making me feel like shit.” Eva rubs her arm.

“Hey, TV-14. Wait, is it?” Chris looks up before shaking his head “Eh, it can be edited out.”

Eva walks to the dock and everyone takes a small step back, with some looking uncomfortable and Owen just looking scared. Eva crosses her arms, looking upset slightly, but she wasn’t angry.

“Come on guys. I’m sorry,” Eva sighs as she looks down “I’ve taken anger management classes. It’s….I’m fine now. Trust me.”

Izzy gives a small grin and inches forward before poking Eva on the cheek and nose “Boop! Boop! Boop! Boop!”

There was a dead silence.

Eva’s eye twitches as she takes a deep breath, almost like she was internally doing a mantra, before smiling “Good joke, Izzy.”

Izzy laughs and hugs her and Noah “Anger management really did help! Welcome back to the team, girl!”

Noah and Eva glance at each other, amused.

The next boat slowly comes up and everyone is on edge.

“How many are left?” Harold asks.

“In your old group? Three left,” Chris says “And here is one now!”

The boat stops and there was a bit of silence as they all stare. Chris pauses and looks at his watch and then at the boat “Uh…anyone?”

Gwen storms off the boat, huffing all the way “I can’t believe you talked me into this stupid show again!”

There was definitely some difference to Gwen, with her hair now being shaved off on one side, with a nose piercing and was wearing a leather jacket over her shirt and jeans.

Chris chuckles “Hey come on Gwen! You know you signed a contract, and plus! It’ll be fun! Who knows? Maybe you’ll repair some burned bridges.”

“Sure, whatever,” Gwen mutters as she shoves past Chris and goes to the end of the dock with everyone.

Gwen and Duncan share a glance before the turn away, Gwen crossing her arms and Duncan lowering his head.

Izzy leans towards Eva and Noah and whispers “This’ll be some fun drama.” And the two nod a little.

The next boat docks and Gwen is silently praying for it to not let it be Courtney. And for Duncan, it was the same.

They walk down onto the dock and Gwen and Duncan groan. Courtney rubs her arm and looks down at the floor as Chris gives a greeting and offers a hand to her. Courtney gives a small handshake to Chris and silently walks to the end, moving away from the rest.

Courtney was definitely the same body wise, but she had longer hair, with some white highlights on it and wear a much more business like attire. She also had bags under her eyes, probably from her job as a lawyer.

Duncan, Gwen, and Courtney avoid looking at each other as the other 5 looks at the ground, feeling caught in the middle.

Chris stared at the scene and nervously chuckles, looking at the camera “Come on guys! This is a reunion! Be excited!”

“Yeah…super excited…” Gwen rolls her eyes.

Chris takes a long sigh as he turns away “This is gonna be a looong season.”

The next boat can be heard and everyone stares ahead and sees the boat, but then they look up at the sky, and they see a familiar contestant in his red tracksuit gliding through with his hang glider, parasailing through the sky as he laughs.

“Oh my god…” Duncan mutters incredulously.

“WOOOO HOOO! YEAH!” Tyler shouts as the boat stops suddenly and Tyler jolts forward and falls off the hang glider, falling into the water.

Everyone jolts back from the water splash at the dock as Chris yells out “WICKED WIPE OUT MAN!”

Tyler crawls out of the dock and is dripping wet as he shakes himself off “Yeah! Whoo! I’m here y’all!”

Tyler’s appearance hasn’t changed a bit, still rocking his jumpsuit.

“Hey, Tyler! Been a while!” Noah gives a small grin.

“WOO!” Owen pulls him into a bear hug “GREAT SEEING YOU!”

“Same here! With all of you!” Tyler looks at everyone happily.

“So, Mr. Athletic? Went to the Super Bowl yet?” Duncan asks, grinning.

Tyler chuckles a little, embarrassed “Eh, n-not yet. But Lindsey and I are living the best life, especially with her acting job.”

Owen gasps, stars in his eyes “Lindsey’s an actress?!”

“Yeah! She’s traveling a lot but we stay in touch!” Tyler laughs “And it makes a lot of money! But hey! A million dollars! Wooo!”

“Minus Taxes,” Chris adds in passing.

Izzy giggles and hugs Tyler “Good job Ty! Tell Lindsay I said heyyyy!”

Chris laughs, a small jolt in his heart as he smiled radiantly “Aww! Okay! The first generation is done! Time for thenRevenge of The Island contestants!”

The next boat comes and they all stare as it docks.

Zoe walks down the pier and onto the dock, smiling widly “Hey guys!”

Zoe had long read hair that was curly as she wore a necklace and had some brackets around her wrists. She wore a sundress like outfit and a sunglasses on her head.

“Zoe!” Gwen smiles immediately, genuinely happy seeing her.

Duncan and Courtney both smile a little as Zoe walks up. Owen instantly hugs her and lifted her up and squeezes, and Zoe gives a laugh, though obviously in pain.

“Easy there big guy!” Duncan places a hand on Owen’s shoulder.

Owen lets Zoe go as she laughs “I’m glad to be here!” She then looks around the island, her eyes narrowing “Although I thought this place was flooded and sunk.”

Chris chuckles “Yeah, it’s a miracle they salvage it again!”

Zoe looks at the more calm-looking Chris and narrows her eyes and back at the cast.

“How’s Mike doing?” Gwen asks “Is he spending the money wisely?”

“Yeah. He’s using it for therapy for his Uh, disorder.” Zoe smiles warmly.

“Ohhh, his Multiple Personality Disorder.” Owen nodded.

“Uh, Dissociative Identity Disorder. That is the new term for it.” Zoe corrects.

Chris jumps in for a moment “Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) is a disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states which usually copes with trauma, and each identity may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics.” He pulls away.

Noah elbows Owen in the ribs “Ow! Sorry, Zoe!”

“It’s fine!” Zoe assures as she beams and joins the rest.

The next boat comes and docks. Dawn steps onto the board, her hair was slightly longer and she is now decking a seashell in her hair. She was barefoot as she walked across the cock, humming softly.

“Greetings everyone!” The aura whisperer softly says, giving small bats of her eyelashes.

Zoe smiles softly as she waves and a few, such as Duncan, Courtney, Harold, and Eva were off-put by the girl. Owen and Izzy giggle at the mysterious-looking girl.

“Fan request: Dawn!” Chris jazzes his hands “Are you stoked to be here!”

Dawn narrows her eyes as she stares at Chris, her hand placed onto his chest “Wow…your aura is so cracked at the moment. It looks like it’s gonna fall apart.”

Chris’ smile drops as the contestants look over at him, surprised and kinda uncomfortable now.

“Yeesh,” Gwen mutters.

“Haha, whaaaat? Shush. G-Go over there.” He gives a strained laugh, pointing out to the other contestants.

Dawn walks over and she greets the contestants “Hello everyone. I’m glad I can be here again.”

“Yeah! It sucked what happened in Revenge! Getting cut off fourth!” Owen frowns.

Dawn waves it off “It was unfair, correct, however, I believe the energy will grant more permission to continue forth now that this island is without the toxic waste.”

Izzy cackles “You crazy lady! Crazy!” She spins around in place.

Noah shakes his head and sighs as he presses Izzy firmly down on the dock to calm her, giving Dawn and amused giggle.

The next boat slowly moves over to the dock and suddenly a blur flies out of the boat and into the air, flipping around, much to other people's awe. The blur falls and lands feet first onto the dock and poses.

“SHA-BAM!” Lightning shouts, a triumphant grin.

Lightning, still the ever muscular man he is, with his hair new dyed brown with a bit of the white hair he got from the finale of Revenge made into a lightning bolt.

Zoe, Gwen, Duncan, and Courtney groan and facepalm themselves. Izzy grins wildly, bouncing up and down with her eyes big and sauces, and Eva and Tyler cross their arms, not amused by Lightning.

“Yo! McLean! Thanks for giving the Lightning, the callback!” Lighting punches McLean in the arm.

Chris laughs and rubs his arm, biting his tongue from the pain “Hey! We had to get our most competitive contestant back on the show! Maybe you’ll get father than All-Stars!”

Lighting struts triumphantly “Well, let’s play!”

Izzy giggles seeing Lightning and he looks at her and chuckles at the crazy girl.

Zoe sighs a little.

“Hey, Lightning.” She greets, rolling her eyes.

“Hey, come on Zoe. Don’t be like that! It’ll be a good sport! I-I was just playing the game, I didn’t mean to be so…” Lightning scratches his neck, giving an awkward grin.

“Murderous?” Zoe raises an eyebrow.

“Egotistical.” Duncan adds.

“Completely an idiot.” Harold also adds.

Lightning snaps his fingers, grinning “Yeah, those things! I’ll control those!”

Zoe gives a scoff, not truly believing him “Well, let’s see.”

The next boat dock and B steps out, looking the same as usual and smiling. Dawn gasps and claps her hands with a radiant grin.

“B! Nice to meet ya’ again dude!” Chris tells him.

B snaps his fingers and walks over. Owen laughs and walks over, the two big guys giving a hug.

“Still not talking huh?” Eva raises an eyebrow.

B simply shrugs and Duncan pats his back, smirking and looking over “Hey! I want this guy on my team, alright?”

Chris laughs a little “We’ll see!”

The next boat comes in and Brick struts onto the dock and salutes “Brick McArthur! Reporting for duty!”

Chris was amused and salutes back playfully “Corporal Brick-house! Welcome back!”

Brick nods and walks towards the end in which Dawn smiles at him and he nods back.

“Welcome back. I’m glad you’re here.” Zoe smiles.

“Indeed!” Brick nods and smiles back “Perhaps I’ll get farther here than last time!”

The next boat docks but there was no one coming out. Everyone stared at the boat for a few seconds and Chris checks his watch before Scott is thrown out with his luggage.

“NO NO!” Scott falls onto the dock “GOD DAMN IT!”

Zoe, Lightning, B, and Brick are giving Scott death glares. Dawn was also glaring, but also had some sympathy towards the farm boy, as Gwen, Duncan, and Courtney looked at Scott a bit sadly.

“Scott! We almost lost you!” Chris laughs a little.

Scott glares daggers at Chris “I can’t believe you got me to do another season!”

Chris holds up his hands “Hey! It’s okay! Fang is not on the island! Neither are any other mutants!”

“No mutants?” Scott raises an eyebrow.

“None!” Chris smiles.

Scott stares at him for a few moments and stands “Fine.” He walks over to the end and then looks at everyone “Okay, come on guys. It’s been so long! Can a country guy change?!”

“Last country guy I met was a massive sexist.” Eva rolled her eyes.

Izzy laughs “Yeah! And he was turned into a feral monster after being stuck in a plane for weeks! And also went to try and kill Chris! Remember that guys?!” She looks around at everyone who was all staring at the ground, uncomfortable “…guys?”

Chris chuckles, scratching the back of his neck “Yeah, poor Ezekiel. Good thing we manage to relocate him and sent him to a rehabilitation facility, so he got all the help he needed!”

Scott sighs “Whatever.” And he glances at Courtney before turning away and crossing his arms, much to Courtney’s sadness.

The boat docks and Anne Maria comes out with his spray tan, spraying it around her hair and skin “HEY DOLLS!”

Noah, Harold, and Eva instantly groan after hearing her and Zoe manages a strained smile, remembering her and Vito. Anne Maria waves at everyone as she walks over and Owen pulls her into a bear hug and she laughs a little. Owen lets her go and sees his entire shirt and his hands covered in fake tanning spray.

“Aww ma!” Owen looks upset before he looks around and kicks the spray on his hand, immediately gagging “Nope! Why did I do that-“

Anne Marie walks next to Zoe and Zoe smiles a little “Uh, hey Anne Maria.”

“Hey.” She gives a simple nod as the next boat comes.

Suddenly a sharp blow of the whistle makes everyone cover their ears as Jo gets off the boat standing at attention with her arms on her hips.

“Owww Jo. Don’t be so loud.” Chris chuckles.

Jo rolls her eyes “Just so you all know. I’m here to win so if anyone gets in my way I’ll make sure you’re buried, understand?”

Zoe, Dawn, Scott, and B look down and nod as Brick glares. Eva, Tyler, Duncan, and Anne Maria glare over at Jo as Owen chuckles.

“Who’s the dude?” Owen jokes.

“What was that?!” Jo was in his face in an instant, despite having been across the dock and she glares at him.

“N-Nothing. Nothing.” Owen shrinks and backtracks.

Jo glares before twitching her eyebrows and walking to her spot on the deck.

“Jo.” Brick says.

“Brick.” Jo responded in equal hostility.

“LIGHTNING!” He shouted, making Gwen jump back.

“Alright, everyone! Next up on the list is the Pahkitew Island!” Chris announces, and he waits for a few seconds as he notices everyone staring at him “….what? No applause?”

“Didn’t Pahkitew Island nearly kill your career?” Noah snarks as all of them burst out laughing.

Chris’ smile drops again as he stares at all the contestants so far who begin to uproar in hysteria, Izzy doubled over and slamming her fists on the dock. Lightening grabs his chest as he was wheezing as Gwen and Zoe leaned against each other, laughing.

“OHH, DUDE! HOW MUCH MONEY DID YOU LOSE ON THE ARTIFICIAL ISLAND?! IT DIDN’T EVEN LAST THE SEASON!” Duncan laughed more, a hand on his face.

Chris clenches his jaw and fists. He is at his boiling point as everyone was laughing at him, their constant hysterics cracking away at him little by little.

“CAN YOU ALL-“

Chris immediately grabs his mouth as the loud words silenced the entire area, some birds flying out into the sky. Everyone stared at Chris, eyes widened, and Chef, who was on the island looking over, was extremely concerned.

“…..please…..listen to the host when he speaks?” He has a bit of a strained sing-song voice as he calms down.

Everyone nods a little, completely caught off guard and freaked out by Chris’ behavior.

Chris clears his throat, taking a deep breath “Okay. Now. Pahkitew Islands Cast!”

The next boat comes in and after a few moment, Jasmine runs out of the boat, panting as she calms her panic attack “My god! Why is the boat so small?!”

Chris cringes, mentally kicking himself “Sorry Jasmine, uh…forgot your claustrophobia.”

Jasmine groans as she brushes herself off and pushes pass Chris to greet at all of them “Hello members! Names Jasmine!”

All of them stare at Jasmine and Lightning's eyes widen seeing the way taller lady. Izzy was, in turn, staring in awe.

Jo chuckles and crosses her arms.

“Well, didn’t know there was a Sasquatch in the show!”

“Excuse me?” Jasmine's eyes widen as he craned her neck at Jo.

Jo shrugs “I don’t know. I think you got off on the wrong stop. Mount Olympia is that way, giant.”

“Is there gonna be a problem here?!” Jasmine asks, quickly being upset as she stomps over.

Jo smirks as she crosses her arms again “I don’t know, is there?”

“At ease, Jo.” Brick comments as he places a hand on her shoulder as a warning

Jo rolls her eyes as Gwen immediately jumps in “Hello, sorry about that. Haha. Great to have you here.”

“Yeah! Really!” Zoe grins and smiles “We heard of you in the latest season! I saw your season and you did great!”

Jasmine smiles “Thanks, guys.”

“Oh yeah, your boyfriend was the winner? How was he, uh, Shawn? Is it! Duncan asks.

Jasmine shrugs “Oh, yeah, he’s fine. He’s running my flower shop while I’m away. The million helped, although he did use a lot of it on an underground bunker.” She glances to the side.

“A bunker? Cool!” Izzy clapped her hands.

Jasmine looked down at Lightning “Hey there.”

Lightning simply nodded back “H-Hey.”

The next boat comes in there was a long sing-song humming coming from it. Birds fly out to the boat and they lift the passenger off and into the sky. Ella was being carried to the dock while singing.

Everyone looks at Ella being carried by the birds in shock as Dawn smiles brightly. Chris has a slightly annoyed yet amused expression on his face as Ella is softly landed on the dock.

“Hello everyone!” She greets brightly.

“Ella. Glad you’re here.” Chris says as she leaned back.

Ella's smile fades, her expression somber as she places a hand on her chest “O-Oh, don’t worry Chris, I’ll promise I won’t sing in this competition.”

Chris sighs and he gives a smile before placing a hand on Ella’s shoulder “You know what, Ella? This is gonna be different. Sing to your little hearts desire, just be mindful of your contestants and try not to use it as a crutch to the challenge.”

Ella's eyes widen “Really Chris?!”

Chris nods “Really.”

“Thank you so much!” She gives a bright smile.

“Whoa…that’s…different.” Duncan comments.

“Very different.” Eva agreed.

Ella hummed as she bounces towards the group “Hello everyone! It’s so wonderful to meet you all!”

Dawn smiles back and bows “Hello, fellow Earther.”

Jo gives a grin and leans over to Lightning “Ohh, two granola bar hippies. They’ll be the first to go.”

Lightning twitches his eyelid and looks away.

“I’ve been a huge fan of World Tour!” Ella directed towards the original cast and looked at Gwen “You had really amazing vocals!”

Gwen seemed to blush slightly at the compliment and looked away “Thanks.”

The next boat comes in and Sky exits and she does not look to happy to be here. Jasmine instantly smiles and waves as Sky waves back, clearly exhausted.

“Sky. Total Drama’s most recent runner-up!” Chris introduces “How are you feeling?”

Sky gives a death glare at Chris “Well, I finally got over that concussion I got from the avalanche.”

Chris stops smiling as some of the other contestants suck in their teeth and Sky crosses her arms. Chris scratches his head and attempts to think about what to say until Sky simply walks past Chris.

“Hey, Ella.” Sky hugs her and squeezes.

Ella grins and then Sky glances at the original and Revenge cast “Glad to finally meet all of you. Sorry, you guys had to deal with Chris for multiple seasons.”

Gwen laughs a little “Yeah. It was a pain.”

“Hey, it’ll be better! Chris says so!” Owen assures.

“Jasmine and I got food poisoning. We almost all died from being blown up.” Sky crosses her arms.

Jasmine chuckles “Yeah, it was rather a….tough season.”

“Hey, at least you guys didn’t get thrown off a plane.” Duncan told them.

“Or get attacked by mutant sharks.” Scott sneers.

“Probably would have preferred that.” Sky chuckled.

Chris stays silent, looking down as the next boat comes in. Sammy comes up and looks at Chris.

“Hey.” She smiles awkwardly.

Chris snaps out of it and looks over “Oh, hey! Welcoming next, Sammy!”

Sammy nodded before looking around “A-Amy isn’t here, is she?”

“No. No no, don’t worry. She was unpopular as all hell. No way are we allowing her back!” Chris shakes his head, waving his arms

Sammy grins and nods as she walks over to the dock with renewed energy. Owen gives her a bear hug which she reciprocated. She and Jasmine simply hug each other.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Jasmine grinned.

“Same here!” Sammy nodded as the next boat came in.

Suddenly, Sky’s eyes widen. Dave gets off the next boat.

“Next up! Da-“ Chris is interrupted by Dave speeding past him and going straight for Sky.

“Dave I-“ Sky is interrupted by a backhanded slap across her face by Dave.

“WHOAH!” Chris jumps back in absolutely shock.

Everybody on the dock gasped, unable to process what happened before Dave grabs Sky’s neck to try and slap her again. Jasmine shoved Dave off, Sky falling on the dock as she clutches her face. Dave tries to lunged forward until the other shoves him back, beginning to yell at him to back off. Gwen, Jo, Brick, and Izzy weee pulling him away as the others were shielding Sky, complete pandemonium erupting which ends when Lightning grabs Dave by the collar and shoves him back, ending with him falling backwards into the water.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Gwen shouts.

“Dude?! What the fuck?!” Duncan yells.

Dave climbs back onto the dock, soaked in water as he was enraged  “THANKS FOR LEAVING FOR DEAD ON THE ISLAND YOU FUCKING BITCH!”

“Whoah! Calm down!” Zoe tries to deescalate the situation.

“Shut up!” Dave snaps back before turning his attention back to Sky, and he takes another step towards her “You little-“

“Hey! Back off!” Sammy shoves him back but Dave retaliates as he starts swinging at her.

Jasmine pulls her back and when Dave takes another step, Duncan punches him right in the face, and Dave stumbles back. He tries to attack back until Anne Marie sprays him in the face with one of her tanning cans. Dave coughs as he steps back, shaking his head. Before he could do anything, he feels a kick directly onto his back that sends him onto one knee and he is kicked down by Eva and she, Izzy, Jo and Brick grab onto him, basically tackling him as they held him down against the dock.

“Calm the hell down!” Eva shouts.

“GAH! Get off me!” Dave shouts as she struggles against them.

“Not until you keep your hands to yourself!” Jo spat back.

Chris runs over “Whoah Whoah! Now, Dave, stop attacking the contestants unprovoked!”

“SCREW YOU MCLEAN!” Dave screams as she squirms.

“Dave, stop it,” Chris kneels, warning him with a fierce glare “Do not attack them. This will not be accepted anymore.”

Dave growls “Fine. Whatever. Let me go now!”

The four glance at Chris and he nods and they let him go. Dave growls and brushes himself off.

“I’m heading to the camp! Screw all of you!” Dave storms off the dock.

“He’s gonna go off the first day.” Duncan shakes his head.

Harold sighs “Ohh, yeah.”

Chris looks over to Sky, concerned “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, whatever. Just get the last person in here.” Sky dismissed as she was helped up by Tyler and Jasmine.

Chris nods as the next boat comes in. Courtney crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow.

“Who is gonna be next?”

Jasmine thinks and smiles “Oh, I hope it’s Shawn.”

“Better not be Topher or Sugar.” Sky mutters.

“Or the LARPer.” Sammy shivers.

Jasmine thinks “Maybe Beardo?”

“But definitely not Rodney.” The three agree in unison

Max jumps from the boat, laughing like a madman “Good evening, everyone!”

The three girls groan as everyone else just stares at Max.

“Max. Nice to have you back. Sorry about kicking you off like that.” Chris apologizes.

Max holds up his hand “No need Chris, I’m here to win the million dollars! And with Scarlett gone, nothing will stop me!”

Jo raises an eyebrow and chuckles “You think you of all people will get far?”

Max clicks his tongue and waves his finger “Need I remind you all that I have gotten 5th place before my elimination, which is farther than 14 of you have been placed. Which is approximately-“

“58.33 percent.” Harold nodded slightly “Not bad chances, I’ll give him that.”

Jo snarls a little at the brat as the others simply sigh as Max walks to the dock.

“Alright, campers, we are at the last stage! Now, thanks to the network, 7 contestants from The Ridiculous Race!” Chris announces.

Owen laughs and looks at Noah “Maybe Emma will be here!?”

Izzy grins as she elbows him “Ooooh!”

“Nah, I told Emma all about this show. No way will she accept a contract.”  Noah shakes his head, chucking.

“Lucky.” Courtney mutters under her breath

The boat comes in and the door to it opens and suddenly bats rush out of the boat, and Chris, along with most of the other cast, jumps back in fright.

Crimson and Ennui, the Goths, step out with their pet bunny Loki, looking equally gothic.

“Wooow! Hey Crimson and Ennui!” Owen waves, grinning at the rest of the group “They’re great!”

“And I thought I was goth.” Gwen quips, looking slightly taken aback.

“Crimson! Ennui! Little Loki!” Chris beams “Welcome to the island!”

Crimson and Ennui didn’t respond to Chris, only scanning the Island blankly and glancing at each other as everyone stares.

“This summer camp…..feels so cozy and warm…” Ennui mutters, and the two shiver.

“Hey don’t worry, I can vouch many people almost died here!” Duncan calls out.

“More than once!” Zoe nodded.

Ennui and Crimson glance at each other and the two shrugged.

“Better.” Crimson mutters as the two walks to the end of the dock, and all of the contestants stare at the goths.

Eva leans over to Owen and Noah “Were they always this weird in the race thing?”

“Ohh, yeah.” Noah nods.

“They look cool.” Izzy smiled and waved at them, who didn’t pay her any mind.

“I-I like your makeup,” Gwen tried to interact with the two, smiling awkwardly “I-I couldn’t afford the type that you guys have.”

“Thanks…” Ennui looks over at Gwen blankly.

The mood was put off slightly as the next boat comes in.

McArthur walks up to the deck wearing cop shades, and a bulky uniform. She looks around the entire crew and then at Chris.

“Who called the cops?” Duncan asks, chuckling.

“Maybe Chris did since you blew up his cottage.” Gwen gives a small smirk on her face.

“Mansion.” Courtney meekly corrects.

“McArthur! Great to have you on the show!” Chris smiles.

McArthur takes off her shades “Gonna be 100%, McLean, just been sent here on behalf of the network to make sure you ain’t breaking the law.”

Chris looks annoyed but unsurprised “Mr. Newman has a lot of faith in me I presume.”

“He doesn’t.” McArthur shakes her head as she walks down the dock.

Jo gives another snarky chuckle at McArthur, and Brick shoots a look to not mess with her. Jo rolls her eyes.

“Hello there.” Zoe waves.

“Don’t mind me, folks. Just making sure Chris stays in line and maybe gets an extra million. Don’t wanna miss my chance.” She shrugs.

“You have already gotten a million.” Noah says.

“Twenty-five Hundred Thousand actually, split between me, Sanders, Brody, and Geoff.” McArthur corrects.

“You split it up with Geoff and Brody?” Gwen raises an eyebrow.

“Didn’t want to, but Sanders sweet talked me into it, plus Brody was kissing my ass, he’s sweet.” McArthur shrugs, giving a chuckle.

The next boat comes in and Kitty steps out, a huge grin on her face. Owen and Noah smile also seeing her.

“Kitty! Nice to meet you!” Chris grins.

“Heyyy!” Kitty takes out her phone and flashes a photo of her and Chris.

Chris blinks and rubs his eyes “Hehe, yeah alright. Just go to the back.”

Kitty walks over and Owen instantly gives her a bear hug, squeezing as she hugs back and laughs.

“Nice to meet you, big guy! It’s been a while!” Kitty laughs “Hey Noah! How’s Em doing?!”

“She’s fine Kitty. Glad for you to be back.” Noah smiles.

“Same here!” Kitty says.

The boat starts coming over and they hear someone cheering loudly they all lean across the pier and see Brody laughing as he can, as MacArthur and Tyler grin.

“WOOHOO! WOHOHOOOO!” Brody laughs before suddenly slipping and flying forward, skidding through the water before flying out of the water and flying past the pier, everyone tracking him and landing on the large mountain of luggage.

“WICKED WIPEOUT MAN!” Chris shouts.

Tyler blinks for a moment as Gwen chuckles.

“Deja Vu, huh?” Gwen asks.

“Yeah, is that really what I looked like?” Tyler tilts his head.

“Okay, get up babe.” McArthur grabs him and helps him up.

Brody laughs “Thanks, babe! I’m gonna go all out here!”

Jo crosses her arms, scowling “Get in line, meathead.”

“Hahahaha! What line?!” Brody looks around.

Jo groans and slaps her head in frustration “How many more people do we have left?!”

“Just two. And here they are!” Chris waves his hands.

The boat comes in and the two guys walk in, Rock and Spud, the two rocker guys. Rock was looking around the island in laughter as Spud was staring vacantly.

“Wow! Spud look! This place rocks huh?!” Rock looks sober at Spud.

“Uhh….yeah! This place is cool…” Spud chuckles.

The contestants look at the rockers, some of them unimpressed while guys like Owen seemed happy to see all of them.

Chris adjusts his shirt and walks over.

“Alright contestants! With all 30 of you here! We can continue!” Chris claps his hands “Now! Meet me at the campground!”

Everyone walks down to the Elimination area and they see it renovated. For one, it was larger, with more logs around, and two galleries on both sides of the area. It has more torches lit around and incense burning as there was a large campfire. It was pretty cozy.

Dave was sitting on one of the logs, staring daggers at Sky, who stares back. Chris comes in and looks around.

“Alright, everyone! Things are gonna be a little…different.” Chris tells everyone.

“Less danger?” Gwen quips.

Chris chuckles “Yes! But! We also have a bit of a different way we have this. For one, campers will be split up into three teams, a bit of an homage to World Tour. Three teams with 10 contestants each. Number dos, bringing back a goodie from All-Stars, winning team of a challenge will be rewarded with a stay at the McLean mansion until the next challenge! The other two teams will stay in the summer cabins! There is a third cabin just in case!”

The contestants groan a little and Chris adds “Cockroach-free with some amenities.”

“Going all out I guess,” Noah mutters.

Chris clears his throat and continues “Bringing back something from Revenge and All Stars, I’d have to inform you that FOUR McLean invincibility statues are hidden within the island!”

Everyone looks at each other in shock and Spud stays silent “Huh?”

Rock leans in “If we get one, we are safe from being eliminated!”

“Ohhhh!”

“So, what dangerous elimination contraption do you think of next?” Gwen asks.

“Actually, I believe the boat of losers will be the best idea, an oldie but a goodie.” Chris smiles.

Brody steps up and clears his throat “Question. Are the canon and catapult still options?”

Chris blinks as everyone stares at Brody and MacArthur rolls her eyes.

“Uh…yeah, they are.” Chris nods.

Brody nods and steps back.

Chris sighs once more “So, to get ourselves situated. Let’s start with the teams. Team A, when I call your name please stand to the side over there.”

Everyone was tense as Chris takes out a piece of paper. Gwen and Duncan glance at each other as they look away and Scott crosses his arms. Jasmine and Sammy look at each other and hope that they are in a team. Izzy holds both Eva and Noah, who chuckle a little themselves.

“Okay! Team A: Gwen, Courtney, Brick, Anne Maria, Ella, Harold, Jo, B, Tyler, and Jasmine!” Chris reads

Duncan sighs in relief. Gwen scoffs as she glares at Chris and Courtney silently stared at floor. Jasmine frowns and pats Sammy on the back as she walks to the side with the rest of the team. Jo and Brick glare at each other.

Chris nods “Okay! Team B: Owen, Kitty, Duncan, Izzy, Noah, Eva, Sky, Rock, Spud, and Max! Move to the other side!”

Sky instantly sighs in happiness as she rushes away from Dave, who scowls. Rock laughs and gives a high five.

“Yeah, man! We’re on the same team!” Rock grins.

Izzy laughs as she hugs Noah and Eva tightly and the two smile also, although the lack of oxygen is making them light-headed. Owen and Noah high five and Kitty joins them and then takes a selfie with her group.

“And that leaves team C: Dave, Ennui, Crimson, Dawn, Scott, Lightning, Sammy, Brody, Zoe, and McArthur!” Chris finishes off.

“Yeah!” McArthur grabs Brody and gives him a bear hug, his face rubbing against her chest as he laughs.

Dawn looks over at Scott and he huffs as he crosses his arms. Sammy and Zoe look at each other and smile, waving, as Dave was tapping his foot. The Goths just stare ahead blankly.

“Ok, and for team names. Team A, you are the Mutant Salmon! Team B, Screaming Rats, and Team C, Confused Gophers!” Chris finishes off, tossing paper away.

“Original.” Duncan chuckles.

“Okay, everyone. Now, please head to the cabins and relax! Get to know your teammates! And then head to the mess hall for lunch! And as always…have fun!” Chris gives a smile, although this one was less sadistic and calmer.

Everyone gives a small nod and they file out of the campground, Chris taking a deep breath. This was gonna be a loooong season.