Hey guys! First off, I just want to say thank you SO MUCH for all of the awesome feedback and support on the story so far! I could never have expected such a reception, and I am really grateful to see you guys all excited! Secondly, let me address something really quickly: I want to apologize for anybody that felt slighted or surprised by the quick turnaround of the cast. It was a combination of my eagerness to start the story, and there being a ton of great applications from the get-go, as well as myself having a somewhat limited time to write each week. I didn't want to make anybody feel cheated, and I'm sorry if I did! I should have been a little more clear about the circumstances, but I hope that this clears things up!

Phew. Well, with that out of the way, here's the first chapter! I decided to split the cast introduction up just so that everyone could get a chance to shine properly without cramming it all into one go. The next part is right around the corner, and I look forward to seeing everyone's thoughts! Enjoy!

Episode 1: All Aboard, Part 1

Courtney stood in front of the camera, taking a deep breath. Behind her was a train; a huge, luxury, state-of-the-art thing with the Total Drama logo plastered onto the side of the main locomotive. Team Courtney was setting up the lights and sound, and Owen was giddily swinging his camera around, giggling to himself as he squinted and captured footage of the scenery.

They were at a train station, the first of many that the Total Drama train would be stopping at. There were white flags that were hung on various brick pillars, waving gently in the wind, and a main platform that led up to the boarding area for the train. Around them was the rural New York countryside, grassy fields and farmland.

Courtney took a few moments to appreciate her hard work, looking around with a satisfied smile at the project that she had manifested. She was savoring her last few moments of calm, as in a moment, she would have to get into character, smiling for the camera, and shepherding the ensemble of rowdy teenagers that would be arriving at the station. As the new host of total drama composed herself, Owen came over to her.

"You excited?" He asked. Courtney let out a breath, only slightly annoyed by her mantra being interrupted, but gave Owen a nod.

"Totally, big guy," she said. "We've put a lot of work into getting here. Today's the day it finally pays off."

Owen grinned. "Aw, man, you said it. I'm pumped! Remember our first day at Wawanakwa? Getting to meet everyone, standing in front of the cameras for the first time. You just don't forget it. These kids are gonna have a blast."

A member of Team Courtney came forward with a clipboard, and informed the host that there were 5 minutes before the bus arrived with the contestants, and the filming would begin. Butterflies shot through Courtney's stomach.

"Alright, Owen, get ready," she said. "Remember, not too close, but close enough that you can see my expression. Got it?"

"You're the boss, Courtney!"

"Good," she said.

"Hey, by the way, where's Duncan?" Owen mused. Courtney's expression became somewhat annoyed.

"Napping in the engineer's room," she said, a bit of acid twinging her voice. Then, she calmed herself down, knowing that her annoyance would bleed into her performance. "But, that's fine. There will be more drama if we reveal the co-host later on in the show. The fans will eat it up; not to mention we'll get some great reactions from the cast when they find out."

There was a honking of a bus horn, and they both turned to watch as a dark purple coach bus rolled into the train station. Team Courtney got themselves into position. Courtney turned to Owen.

"Alright. We're gonna roll in 5… 4… 3… 2…"

Courtney instantly switched, donning a bright, dazzling smile and a sense of bravado she had not held before. As Owen started to roll the camera, he followed her as she walked alongside the impressive Total Drama train.

"Welcome, Total Drama fans! Or should I say, welcome back!" She said with a flourish. "That's right. We're back with a brand new season! New teams, new stakes, new challenges and… A new host!"

She did a little pose.

"This season, we'll be bringing you 20 contestants, all competing in extreme challenges, for the chance to win this-" A member of Team Courtney rolled out what appeared to be a large, travel suitcase. Courtney kicked it open, to reveal an enormous stack of cash. "One. Million. Dollars."

"Our cast will be staying here, in the Total Drama train, a brand new, state-of-the-art, luxury train, that will follow a track all the way across the United States, making stops at various Total Drama stations like this, all across the country. Living in close quarters, the drama will always be on," Courtney gave the camera a sly look. Then, she continued her confident strut along the train station. "I'm sure you're as eager as I am to meet our cast, and we'll be doing just that: right after this. This is: Total. Drama. Off the Rails!"

INTRO

(A Different Side of Me - All Star Weekend)

(GUITAR INTRO)

A train chugs down the tracks, blowing steam. We see Courtney at the helm, pulling the whistle and grinning at the camera. She's dressed like a fashionable conductor. Duncan comes up from fixing a control panel, covered in soot. He rolls his eyes. He's dressed like a punk engineer.

(I'd be livin' the dream)

Newark leans his head out the window, grinning as wind whips his hair. Victoria shoves him aside, pushes her hair over her shoulder, and smiles perfectly for the camera.

(If my life switched, with the football team)

Kodi and Ally are fighting with foam swords in the hallway car. Ally sticks her sword under Kodi's arm, and he pretends to die a dramatic death, falling to the ground.

(I'd be praised by my friends)

Rosalina flexes at the camera with a grin. Grim stands behind her, towering over her in height and trying to be scary. An even taller Bryce comes up behind Grim, and (confused) also flexes.

(If I was drivin', a Mercedes Benz)

Elijah and Ellie are arguing, as Ellie tries to convince him that Bigfoot is, in fact, real, using a corkboard. Maria breaks up the argument, and then lets out a small, satisfied sigh.

(What do I know?)

Leaf sits alone in a seating car, playing a handheld video game. They don't even look up as Sloan rockets past on her skateboard.

(What do I know- oh oh)

Sloan shoots past Claire and Kelvin, who pose for a selfie together, grinning ear to ear. Sloan shoots out to a train station, where a sound stage has been set up. Rave lights are flashing.

(I wanna be, a rockstar, a superhero)

Quinn holds her hand to her headphones and turns tables, pumping up the rest of the cast with her DJ skills. Erza and Kai dance like they're having a blast.

(Livin' the dream, doin' the things that, I always wanted)

Antonio and Kirito sit on the side, watching as the rest of the cast arrives to dance. They catch each other's eye and stare each other down like Anime rivals.

(I wanna see, my face on the TV)

As the cast gathers together, Jacob stands at the forefront, his arms crossed and a big, confident smile on his face.

(WIth my picture, on the cover)

Courtney and Duncan take the stage. Team Courtney comes in with the lights and cameras.

(For my friends to see, a different side of me)

Duncan produces a tray full of chunks of coal, and snickers. The camera pans up to the logo in the sky: Total Drama: Off the Rails!

(Music fades out)

"Welcome back!" Courtney said. "Let's go ahead and meet our cast!"

Courtney stood on one side of the camera, as a girl walked into view. She was a white girl with platinum blonde hair, perfectly straight and falling down to the middle of her back. She stood just about average height, with long legs and a model-thin body. She wore a white tank top, denim short-shorts, blue high heels, and topped it all off with a fuzzy pink jacket, probably some kind of designer. A necklace hung around her neck, in the shape of a blue heart. As the girl walked on screen, she carried a confident aura, and gave the camera a dazzling smile and a wave.

"Hello Total Drama!" She said, blowing a kiss to the camera. When she spoke, there was a noticeable Valley Girl tinge to her voice. "I'm, like, so stoked to be here!"

"First off the bus, we have Victoria!" Courtney said. "How are y-"

"I just wanna say," Victoria said, cutting Courtney off and stepping into the center of the camera's shot. She kept that glittering smile. "I'm like, such a huge fan of the show. Like, always have been? Its so cool to get a chance to be in front of all of you wonderful fans back home. Like, be sure to totally root for me!"

"So, Victoria," Courtney said, waving Owen to turn the camera to keep herself in the shot. "What do you think-"

"Oh, its like, so totally awesome to meet you too Courtney!" Victoria cut her off again, smiling and tossing her perfect blonde hair. "Yeah, I'm so excited."

Courtney face was slightly annoyed, but she did her best not to show it. "Alright! Well thank you, Victoria. If you'll just stand over here, we can move on to our next contestant."

Victoria, while seeming a little upset that her time in the spotlight was over, begrudgingly complied, allowing for the next contestant to walk on screen.

The next person was a boy with a head of curly, blonde locks. He had bright brown eyes, wide with excitement, and a big, boyish smile that gave him all the countenance of a golden retriever. He looked around with bewilderment at the train station, and then went over to stand by Courtney. He wore brown leather sandals and forest green shorts, as well as a sky blue hoodie that was covered in little white clouds.

"Next up, we have Newark!" Courtney said. "How are you Newark?"

"Oh, man, this is so cool!" Newark said, doing a little spin as he took everything in. "Its great to be here!"

Courtney smiled. "What are you looking forward to during your time on Total Drama?"

Newark turned to her with that bouncy, boyish energy, like she had just asked if he wanted an ice cream cone. "I'm just so jazzed to meet all the cool people and have a ton of fun! I can't wait to ride a train! Oh, and try out all the cool challenges!"

"Well, alright! There will be plenty of those, just you wait," Courtney said, directing Newark to stand over by Victoria so the next contestant could arrive.

The next teen arrived in a puff of smoke. Courtney coughed and waved the sudden smog away, and as the dust settled, there was a girl standing beside her. She was somewhat pale and slender, with prominent green eyes, and long, black hair going down her back. She wore a red shirt, dark green pants, and tall, brown boots. She was shrouded from the shoulders down in a deep green cloak, which she held aloft to dramatic effect. Then, with a flourish, she whipped the cloak back, and brandished her fingers at the camera as if casting a spell.

"Behold! I am the great mage, Ally!" She said, her voice coming out with a booming bravado.

"Hey there, Ally," Courtney said, shaking her head. "So, from what I understand, you like to cosplay as a witch?"

"I'm a mage!" Ally corrected in that booming voice once more. Then, annoyed, she let the voice drop briefly. "And, its not cosplay. It's LARPing."

Then, she instantly resumed her wizardly demeanor, waggling her fingers and arching her eyebrow at the camera.

"I am here to use my magical prowess to conquer this competition!"

"Well, welcome aboard, Ally," Courtney said. "Go ahead and stand right over there."

As Ally walked off camera, the next contestant filed in. He was a tall boy, with messy brown hair and dark eyes. He wore a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants, as well as hiking shoes. On his back was a bulky backpack, covered in pins and souvenirs. Looking closer at his shirt, the words: "We're all in this crazy world together" could be read, surrounded by various flags from around the world.

"Dude, sweet train," he said, indicating the locomotive.

"Welcome aboard, Kai!" Courtney said. "That's a pretty well-travelled backpack you got there."

"Oh, this? Yeah, my parents and I like to travel," Kai said with a shrug. "I've been pretty much everywhere once. I just love seeing the world, you know?"

Courtney nodded. "Well, Kai, what's something interesting that the fans ought to know about you?"

Kai thought it over for a second, and then it hit him. He grinned. "I've got an iron stomach. I've tried basically every food in the world, so nothing phases me at this point!"

Kai proudly patted his stomach, and Courtney laughed good-naturedly. "That's awesome! We'll have to see if we can put that to the test!"

After Kai went to stand with the other 3, the next contestant arrived. She arrived by skateboard, skidding to a haphazard stop in front of Courtney, before kicking up her board and holding it behind her head. She was a black girl with caramel colored skin, with a sturdy, pear-shaped body and a head of wild curls, brown at the roots and filtering out into a honey blonde color. She sported a nose ring, and her ears were both double pierced. She wore a light blue tank top, cropped just above her belly button, as well as a white skirt and tan slip-on sneakers. Her knees and shins were covered in scrapes and bruises, and she had a cool smile on her face.

"'Sup," she said.

"Next up we've got Sloan, the skater girl! Welcome aboard," Courtney said. Sloan gave a peace sign. "So, what's your game plan coming into the season?"

Sloan shrugged, like that hadn't really crossed her mind. "I don't know. I'm just gonna wing it, I guess! You only live once, am I right?"

Courtney nodded. "Great answer. You don't want to give away too much right away, am I right? Right this way, please."

Sloan walked off camera, and was quickly succeeded by the next teen. He was a boy with slightly tanned skin and piercing blue eyes. His hair, a dirty blonde color but with a shocking streak of hot pink, was parted down the middle and combed neatly into place. He was built like a runner, slender but with strong legs. He wore a shirt with a red and blue tie-dye sunburst pattern, as well as black denim shorts and a pair of red and white running shoes. As he walked on camera, he waved to the camera.

"What's up Total Drama!" He said boisterously. Then, with a laugh, he added: "you're looking at your next winner!"

"And with all the confidence in the world, here's Elijah! Welcome aboard!" Courtney said.

"Great to be here, Courtney," Elijah said.

"Elijah, what do you think is your greatest asset coming into the competition?" Courtney asked.

"Oh, easy," Elijah said with no hesitation. "My mind. See, I'm a logical kind of guy. I'm a problem solver. I don't back down, especially when I know I'm right. I'm gonna lead my team to victory!"

"Well, alright! That's the fire we like to see," Courtney said, grinning and waving Elijah over to stand with the rest of the growing cast of teens. Then, she turned to the camera. "Let's hope that fire keeps up once we set off, eh?"

Next off of the bus was an androgynous looking teen with a mixed complexion, with hints of black, white, and Asian ancestry. Their skin was a light, beige color, and their dark brown hair was styled into an undercut. The longer hair on top was held back in a short, fluffy ponytail, and there was a lightning bolt shaved into the side of their head. They had dark hazel eyes, lined with subtle, sharp eyeliner. They wore a short, dandelion yellow bomber jacket over a white t-shirt, black jeans, and black and white Converse. They had small, black gauges in their ears, and wore a small, black satchel over their shoulder, where a handheld gaming console could be seen sticking out. They came forward with their hands in their pockets.

"Here we have Leaf!" Courtney said. "And, Leaf, remind me: you're nonbinary?"

Leaf nodded. Courtney gave a thumb's up.

"Awesome! And you're a professional e-sports player, right?"

Leaf nodded again. Courtney chuckled.

"Not one for many words, are you?" She said.

Leaf shrugged. "Not really."

"Well, welcome aboard! Go ahead and stand with the other contestants!"

The next contestant to arrive on camera was a taller, somewhat muscular Latino boy, with thick, black hair styled into an undercut. He wore a short sleeved, navy blue button up shirt, as well as slim-fitting khaki pants, and a pair of white Nike shoes with red check marks on them. He bore a more serious expression than some of the previous contestants as he arrived, and he surveyed the train station around him. Then, his eyes settled on Courtney, where he seemed to look her up and down, as if reading her. Courtney chuckled nervously.

"And, uh, here's Antonio! Welcome aboard!"

"Thanks, Courtney," Antonio said, finally easing into a smile. "Happy to be on board."

"And Antonio, what are you looking forward to the most about your time here on Total Drama?" Courtney asked. Antonio shrugged.

"I'm here to win," he said casually.

"Oh, yeah? You think you got what it takes?" Courtney said, poking fun at his confidence.

"Definitely," Antonio said, with another grin.

"Well, we love that attitude!" Courtney said, directing Antonio to stand with the others. "Let's see who's next!"

Following Antonio was another tall boy, built with a solid frame, broad shoulders, and plenty of muscle. He had pasty skin, and medium length, straight, black hair. His face was set in a somewhat intimidating expression. He wore a dark green shirt beneath a dark green trenchcoat, as well as black slacks and dark brown boots. He also had an orange and black striped tie around his neck, and black fingerless gloves on his hands. As he approached Courtney, he offered a hand to shake.

"Nice to meet you, Courtney," he said, a little too politely. When he spoke, he had a clear, Irish accent.

"Grim! Nice to meet you t-Ahhh!" Courtney said, reaching to shake his hand before she was cut off by a sudden electric shock.

Grim burst out into laughter, bending over and slapping his knee at the seeming hilarity. Then, once he had calmed down, he revealed his palm to the camera, showing off a small, prank buzz ring on his finger. Wiping a tear from his eye, Grim composed himself. "Aw, man. I can't believe that worked! Well, we're off to a great start, eh?"

"Eh, yeah," Courtney said, straightening herself out. "Very funny, Grim, but try that again and you're getting booted off the show."

Grim started to laugh, but then blinked when he caught Courtney's very serious expression. He put his hands up in surrender.

"Hey, understood," he said. "As long as I can still prank the other contestants."

"That should be fine," Courtney said.

"Nice," Grim said, pumping his fist and going to stand with the others.

After Grim, the next contestant came charging in with a burst of energy.

"What what! What's good Total Drama! DJ Iron in the HOUSE!"

The girl came in like a wrecking ball. She was a little taller than average, with light brown hair that was dyed teal at the tips. Her eyes were a dark brown, to the point of almost being black. She wore a black crop top and grey jeans, as well as a pair of black sneakers with white trim. On her right hand she wore a silver ring, and on her left wrist she had a bracelet made of jade stone. A pair of chunky green headphones hung around her neck, and she came in dancing to music only she could hear.

"Who's ready to have a good time?!" She shouted.

"Ah, and here is Quinn!" Courtney said. "Also known as "DJ Iron"."

"You know it!" Quinn said with a huge grin.

"Is there anything that you're looking forward to, Quinn?" Courtney asked. Quinn stopped dancing, and caught her breath, still glittering with excitement.

"Dude, I'm just here to make friends, have fun, and maybe win a million bucks!" She said.

Courtney nodded. "Fair enough! Welcome aboard!"

Quinn went off to stand with the others, and Courtney turned to face the camera.

"You just met the first half of our amazing cast for Total Drama: Off the Rails! How will they get along? Who will make up the rest of the contestants? Found out….. Right now! We'll be right back after this!"

As Courtney finished her aside, Owen lowed the camera, and gave her a thumb's up. Courtney pumped her fist.

"Boom! Nailed it!" She said, letting her perfect facade go for a moment to show her true elation. "The atmosphere, the drama; I'm on fire! Suck it Chris!"

Then, Courtney took a cleansing breath.

"Great job, Courtney," Owen said. "Hey, uh- just wondering. Where's the craft service table? I was hoping to get a snack break in. Unless you need me to film something else!"

"That's alright, Owen," Courtney said. "I've already got Noah filming the cast by the boarding station. Hopefully he can catch some of the sweet early drama. Go ahead and take a break."

"Alright!" Owen said, running off in search of the food.

At the boarding station, Victoria stood at the front of the pack, adjusting her makeup and brushing her hair. Beside her, Newark was ogling at the Total Drama train, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Do you think we'll stop somewhere cool, like Mount Rushmore?" Newark asked.

"Who cares," Victoria said. "I'll look good anywhere."

VICTORIA CONFESSIONAL

(The confessional is the caboose of the train, a little room in the back of the last traincar. A small chair is there, as well as a few round windows showing the outside of the train. There are various haybales and storage containers, as well as lumps of coal and a few spare parts.)

I know I might look like the strongest competitor here, and the obvious winner, but there's something else you have to consider: I'm also the prettiest.

"Mount Rushmore's OK," Kai said, interjecting into the conversation. "It's a lot smaller in person."

"You've been there?" Newark asked, mouth open.

"Sure," Kai said with a shrug. "I've been lots of places."

"That's awesome!" Newark said.

Meanwhile, Grim was tapping his foot impatiently. He glanced back at Team Courtney, preparing for the next take, and then to the train, and sighed.

"When can we get on the train, already?" He said.

"I know, right?" Sloan said beside him. "I can't wait to get going!"

Grim glared down at Sloan, who looked up at him casually. Grim tried to intentionally look scarier, a shadow darkening his face, and his eyes narrowing to a squint. He raised himself up to his full height. Sloan snorted back a laugh.

"Dude," she said. "You don't scare me."

Grim, at first a little deflated, looked curiously at her. "No?"

"Nah," Sloan said, shaking her head. "I'm Sloan. I'd shake your hand, but I saw how that worked out for Courtney."

Grim laughed. "Grim Clovers."

"Nice to meetcha, Grim," Sloan said.

"Likewise. Yeah, I got Courtney pretty good didn't I?"

"Just know that you won't be getting one over on me like that," Sloan said with a sly grin.

"Oh, no?" Grim asked. "Is that a challenge?"

"You bet your a#% it is," Sloan said.

"You're so on," Grim said.

GRIM CONFESSIONAL

I am so gonna prank her.

SLOAN CONFESSIONAL

He is so not gonna prank me.

Quinn and Elijah, meanwhile, were eagerly chatting about what they were looking forward to the most on the trip. Quinn expressed that she thought it would be awesome to host a rave. On a train. While it was still moving. At first, Elijah started to list all of the things that might go wrong during a train rave, but he eventually agreed that it would, in fact be awesome.

"I know, right?!" Quinn said.

ELIJAH CONFESSIONAL

I mean. Just consider the logistics. You're in an enclosed, moving space. I mean, sure, it might be fun, but what happens when someone like, falls out the window or something?

QUINN CONFESSIONAL

(she's pumping her fist up and down)

TRAIN RAVE! TRAIN RAVE! TRAIN RAVE!

Ally had approached Leaf, who was sitting contentedly, hands in their pockets, swaying back and forth on the balls of their feet. Ally slid up beside them, and gave a low bow.

"You are the one called Leaf, correct?" She asked.

Leaf nodded.

"A pleasure to meet you, Leaf! I am called Ally," Ally said. "I am a powerful mage, here to show my prowess in spellcraft. Would you like to see one of my spells?"

Leaf shrugged. "Sure."

Ally's eyes lit up, as if she hadn't expected a yes. Then, she quickly cleared her throat, and struck a dramatic pose, holding her cloak in front of her like a cape, and wiggling her free hand before her distractingly.

"By the wicked, by the fey, I summon a flower to make your day!" Ally said, lowering her voice as if muttering an incantation. Then, with a flourish. Ally whipped away her cape, and revealed a blooming daisy in her hand.

Leaf clapped, a small smile on their face.

"Thank you, thank you," Ally said, twirling her wrist and attempting to make the flower disappear. However, she accidentally dropped it to the floor, and hastily slid it beneath her cloak with her boot. Leaf graciously pretended not to notice. "I hope to be a worthy adversary in this competition!"

ALLY CONFESSIONAL

When the teams are decided, I hope to be allied with Leaf. They seem an able competitor, and someone I would be honored to enter the fields of battle alongside. They were enamored by my magic, and are a strong, silent, stoic type. Oftentimes, you will find, that the quiet ones are also the most resilient. My mage's intuition tells me this.

LEAF CONFESSIONAL

Ally's cool.

As all of the other contestants engaged in conversation and got to know each other, Antonio watched from afar. He was leaning against one of the many brick pillars, a casual expression on his face, but his eyes were engaged. He was analyzing each and every one of them as they spoke.

ANTONIO CONFESSIONAL

None of the contestants so far seem to be taking any of this seriously. I'm waiting for the real competition to arrive.

Courtney appears on camera and grins.

"Our contestants are starting to get to know each other, and things are already starting to get interesting. I'm sure you at home have questions. Who are the rest of the cast? What sort of drama will unfold? What will the first challenge be? Who will be on what team? All will be revealed! You don't wanna miss it, so be sure to tune in next time on Total. Drama. Off the Rails!"