Bonnie sits outside a coffee shop, waiting with a book in her hands.
BONNIE: Thanks for meeting me.
Behind her, Anna stares at her in surprise.
ANNA: How did you do that? Not even Emily could sense me approach.
BONNIE: Power of five hundred witches—that sort of speaks for itself, right?
Anna sits down with her.
ANNA: Look—I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help the other night…
BONNIE: You were protecting Elena. That’s more important.
Anna sighs.
ANNA: I did a lousy job of it.
BONNIE: Hey! Don’t be too hard on yourself, ok?
Anna looks at her, surprised.
ANNA: You’ve changed. There was a time you hated me just for existing.
BONNIE: Having your best friend get turned into a vampire kind of makes you re-examine things. Anna—I didn’t ask you here to go over the past. I need your help.
Anna clasps her hands together, waiting for her to continue.
BONNIE: You’ve been around a long time, right? Elena said you were almost as old as Katherine. I can’t trust her, but I think I can trust you. I need some information.
ANNA: About what?
Bonnie opens the book and passes it to her. Inside is a drawing of a golden amulet, with five gems in the center—forming a pentagram shape.
BONNIE: It’s called the Celestial Talisman. I saw an image of it when I was in Greta’s mind—apparently she thought this would enable her to control her magnified powers.
ANNA: I heard about what happened to her partner. Nasty.
BONNIE: It says here that wearing the talisman would allow any witch to communicate directly with nature. Not just control it, but to understand it—to know exactly what the forces around require of her. If I can find this thing, maybe I’ll understand what exactly Emily and the others want me to do.
ANNA: I’ve seen this before.
Bonnie blinks.
BONNIE: You’ve heard of it?
ANNA: No—I mean I’ve seen the amulet. In person. It was in Mystic Falls back in 1864.
Bonnie’s face lights up.
ANNA: Don’t get your hopes up, ok? It was here then—that doesn’t mean it’s still here now. There’s no telling what happened to it after the raid.
BONNIE: Emily had it? Why didn’t she use it herself?
ANNA: She said it was too dangerous—that the kind of knowledge wearing this provides was too tempting to be used except in the most extreme circumstances.
Bonnie bites her lip.
BONNIE: I still need it.
ANNA: Is this about Jeremy?
Bonnie freezes. After a moment, she nods reluctantly.
ANNA: I thought so. People tend not to be brought back from the dead by a fluke. My being here is temporary, isn’t it?
Bonnie gives her a sympathetic look.
BONNIE: I’m sorry.
ANNA: Just tell me how much time I have.
Bonnie sighs.
BONNIE: It’s not a time constraint. You’re alive—or whatever you want to call it—as long as Jeremy is.
Anna shakes her head, chuckling.
ANNA: Ok, that I wasn’t expecting. Is that why Elena was so eager to let me join your coven?
Bonnie groans.
BONNIE: (muttering) There’s that word again…
ANNA: Ok—exclusive club. League of Supernatural Saviours, whatever you want to call it!
BONNIE: Elena doesn’t know about this. Neither does Jeremy—you’re the only other person besides Damon I’ve told about this.
ANNA: Why me?
Bonnie looks at her.
BONNIE: Because you know what it’s like to loose someone you love. And you realize why I can’t risk that happening.
Anna meets her eyes for a moment, and then nods in agreement.
ANNA: Ok, so where do we start looking?
*****
Jeremy walks out of the Mystic Grill, looking over his shoulder carefully.
VICKI: Hey?
His eyes go wide, as he sees Vicki standing out in the open. Quickly, he grabs her—pulling her into the alley.
JEREMY: Are you nuts? What if somebody saw you?
Vicki laughs.
VICKI: Chill out, would you? Nobody did—I just wanted to show off my new accessory.
She shows Jeremy her ring.
VICKI: Kind of clunky, but if this is the price I gotta pay to feel like a normal person again…
Jeremy smiles at her.
JEREMY: How’s it feel to be out in the sun without getting burned?
Vicki sighs in relief.
VICKI: It’s weird the things you miss, right? How’s your hand?
Jeremy shows her his undamaged hand.
JEREMY: Completely healed.
VICKI: Yeah, mine too. Guess whatever’s connecting us makes it so you heal as fast as me.
JEREMY: I still don’t like it.
VICKI: Didn’t you say Elena had a similar spell cast on her? Maybe we can find the witch that did that one?
Jeremy shakes his head.
JEREMY: The only person who could tell us where to find her is Bonnie, and I don’t want her to know about this.
Vicki stares at him in surprise.
VICKI: Why not?
JEREMY: I just don’t, ok? You wouldn’t get it.
She crosses her arms.
VICKI: Try me.
Jeremy sighs.
JEREMY: The night Jenna died—well, Bonnie knocked me out right before her and Damon went to try to help her and Elena. She wouldn’t even let me try to help. If I went to her with this—I don’t know, I’m just worried she’d cut me out of it again, and try to solve everything herself.
VICKI: I don’t think you have a choice, Jer. Like you said, she’s the only person who can get in touch with what’s-her-name, right?
Jeremy pauses a moment, a smile creeping into his face.
JEREMY: Actually, there is somebody else. Come on!
Jeremy heads out of the alley, with Vicki following after him.
*****
The apartment…
Stefan peeks inside, moving carefully—searching for any sign of habitation.
STEFAN: Elijah? I know you’re here.
ELIJAH: What gave me away?
Stefan turns to face him.
STEFAN: I didn’t expect to see you again.
ELIJAH: Is that your way of saying I’m not welcome in Mystic Falls?
STEFAN: I owe you my life, Elijah—but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you go around using people.
ELIJAH: Even if it’s for the greater good? Haven’t you ever heard the expression ‘The needs of the many…’?
STEFAN: ‘Outweigh the needs of the few’. I’ve heard it—I’ve just never agreed with it.
Elijah sighs.
ELIJAH: Fine. I guess the time for subterfuge is at an end then. What do you wish to know?
STEFAN: When Klaus bit Meredith, did he turn her into a hybrid?
ELIJAH: Your guess is as good as mine. Klaus is—unique, in all the world he’s the only one of his kind.
STEFAN: He told us one bite was all it took to…
ELIJAH: Yes, because my brother is known for his unwavering honesty!
Stefan pauses.
STEFAN: Something’s happened to her. Damon says Meredith has vampire powers.
ELIJAH: Perhaps. Are you prepared to deal with her?
Stefan’s eyes narrow.
STEFAN: You mean kill her?
ELIJAH: It may be necessary.
STEFAN: That’s not how I do things.
ELIJAH: Maybe it’s time you changed tactics then, Stefan? Because, trust me, your beliefs are going to be tested much in the days to come.
Stefan glares at him, losing his patience.
STEFAN: Trust you? Why should I trust you, Elijah—huh? You’ve lied constantly since the day I met you. You gave me your word you would go through with our plan, and then you betrayed us. You compelled Damon, and you have him convinced someone very important to me is this long-lost sister of yours! Enough, Elijah—enough! I want answers!
LEXI: I’m sorry, Stefan.
Slowly, Stefan turns around—a look of horror on his face.
LEXI: I can give you answers—but you’re not going to like them.
Stefan shakes his head in disbelief.
STEFAN: No—no, this isn’t…
His face twists in anger—and he speeds towards Lexi, grabbing her by the neck.
STEFAN: What is this?!? Who are you?
When she doesn’t answer, Stefan’s eyes bleed red.
STEFAN: ANSWER ME, DAMN IT! Who are you?!?
LEXI: Stefan, it’s me!
Stefan growls.
STEFAN: Lexi’s dead! I don’t know who you are, but you’re not her! Tell me who you are! Another doppelganger? Some kind of shape-changer?
With little effort, Lexi breaks his hold, twisting Stefan’s arm behind his back.
LEXI: You are going to calm down, Stefan! And listen!
She lets him go. Stefan stares at her, his face a mixture of confusion and pain.
LEXI: It’s me, Stefan. Lexi. Your friend.
Stefan shakes his head, refusing to believe it.
LEXI: We met in the woods, when you tried to attack me—you thought I was just another human. When we got back to your home, you apologized about the mess.
STEFAN: No…
LEXI: New Orleans—I was there the night she died, remember? When Damon…
Stefan stares at her, no longer able to deny her identity.
STEFAN: (voice breaking)You died! I was there, Lexi—I saw the whole thing! I saw Damon kill you!
LEXI: You saw him stake me. I’ve been staked dozens of times over the centuries, and I’ve always survived it. A stake through the heart can’t kill me, Stefan—nothing can kill me!
Stefan’s horror melts away, replaced by anger.
STEFAN: You’re an Original?
Lexi nods.
LEXI: I am.
*****
The Forbes house…
Caroline walks inside to find Liz waiting for her.
CAROLINE: Well, this is a first—I was sure you would be at the station already.
LIZ: Something came up.
CAROLINE: Good, because—well, I’m not having the best day. I was just at Matt’s with Bonnie—who finally decided to make that ring for…
LIZ: Can this wait?
Caroline looks at her, confused, until she hears footsteps coming from the kitchen.
LIZ: We have some company.
Behind her, a voice scoffs.
MAN: Some company? Come on, Lizzie—I thought we were past that.
Caroline turns around, and her eyes light up.
CAROLINE: Daddy!
She runs towards him, practically leaping into his arms.
BILL: Hi, Princess. Miss me?
CAROLINE: You have no idea! I didn’t even know you were stopping by.
BILL: Like I would miss my little girl’s eighteenth birthday? What do you take me for?
Caroline freezes.
CAROLINE: I, uh, sort of forgot.
Bill blinks.
BILL: You forgot your own birthday?
CAROLINE: Imagine that, huh?
He smiles.
BILL: Fortunately, I remembered for both of us. I’ve already taken the liberty of renting the hall. You didn’t have anything planned already, did you?
Caroline shakes her head.
CAROLINE: Aren’t I kind of old for you to be planning birthday parties for?
BILL: Not a chance. You only become an adult, once—let an old man have one last hurrah.
Caroline smiles.
CAROLINE: Who’s old?
He laughs.
BILL: I still need to put together a guest list—but, uh, I’m not sure who your friends are these days.
CAROLINE: Wait right here. I’ll got get my little black book.
Caroline heads upstairs.
Once she’s gone, Bill turns to Liz.
BILL: Sorry for dropping in unannounced, Lizzie. I know things are…
LIZ: Don’t worry about it. I’m over it.
Bill hugs her.
BILL: Still friends, right?
LIZ: How’s Steven?
Bill pauses, but then smiles.
BILL: Great. Never better. How about you? Anyone special in your life these days?
Liz shrugs.
LIZ: You’re a tough act to follow, William. Mostly, my job keeps me occupied.
BILL: Aw, that’s a shame. There’s more to life than work, you know?
Slowly, his face becomes serious.
BILL: Actually—Caroline’s big day isn’t the only reason I’m here. I’ve heard you’ve been having problems recently. The kind of problems with fangs?
Upstairs, Caroline freezes—having picked up the conversation with her super-hearing.
LIZ: The tomb underneath Fell’s Church was opened accidentally—but things are under control now.
BILL: The massacre at the station and those kids in the forest tells me different.
Liz crosses her arms.
LIZ: That’s council business. Maybe you shouldn’t have quit?
He puts up his hands defensively.
BILL: Hey, whoa—phasers on stun, Lizzie. I’m just trying to help. If you say you have the situation under control, I believe you.
LIZ: Just—be careful, ok?
He chuckles.
BILL: Just because I’m retired, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how to kill vampires, Lizzie. Remember, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.
CAROLINE: Got it!
Caroline descends the stairs, a nervous look on her face.
BILL: That was fast.
She gives him a piece of paper.
CAROLINE: I didn’t know if I should invite Matt—because, uh, we sort of broke up, but I guess we’re still friends so it’s cool, right?
BILL: Your call.
He pauses, looking at her.
BILL: Is anything wrong Caroline? You look kind of shaky?
CAROLINE: Just nervous. Big day tomorrow, right?
He smiles, adjusting his glasses, and then checks his watch.
BILL: I’ve got to run. I have some business in town, but how about we meet for dinner at the Grill.
CAROLINE: I’m kind of…
BILL: Come on—it’ll be like old times. Just the three of us.
Caroline forces a smile, nodding in agreement.
CAROLINE: Ok—you’re on! Fiveish?
BILL: Sounds swell. See you fiveish.
He leaves. Once he’s gone, Caroline turns to Liz—her brave face evaporating.
CAROLINE: (whimpering) Mom…
LIZ: You heard?
Caroline nods.
CAROLINE: Dad, he—he wants to kill me…
Caroline starts to cry, and Liz pulls her into a hug.
LIZ: He’s not going to find out. Not if I can help it.
*****
The boarding house…
Elena and Damon approach the front door, arguing.
ELENA: Don’t you think it’s possible that Stefan’s right? That you’re still under compulsion, and you just think you’re...
DAMON: I know what I saw! If you and Stefan don’t want to believe it, that’s your call—but don’t act like I’m the one who’s crazy.
He sighs in frustration.
DAMON: I never did trust her, you know? She always showed up just at the right time, almost like she knew Stefan had fallen off the wagon before hand. Like she was his freaking parole officer or something.
ELENA: Is that why you killed her? Because you didn’t trust her?
Damon crosses his arms.
ELENA: It’s just a question.
DAMON: No, it’s an accusation! And since I didn’t actually kill her after all, it’s an empty one.
KATHERINE: Who didn’t you kill?
The two of them turn to find Katherine standing in the doorway.
DAMON: Lexi. Remember her? Turns out she’s Klaus’ kid sister—which is definitely bad new for you, right?
Katherine’s face falls.
KATHERINE: She was an Original?
ELENA: Damon claims.
KATHERINE: (sarcastically)Great! I suppose she’s on her way here right now?
ELENA: Stefan went to talk to Elijah. There’s a chance Damon’s just compelled to think it was Lexi.
DAMON: Was!
Elena sighs.
DAMON: Which means, if I were you, I’d make myself scarce. I’m sure Lexi isn’t exactly happy with you.
KATHERINE: Nice try, Damon—I’m not going anywhere.
DAMON: It’s my house.
Katherine smirks.
KATHERINE: Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you sign it over to Elena?
Damon opens his mouth to respond, but then closes it. He turns to Elena, waiting for her to respond.
DAMON: Elena? A little help here?
ELENA: She’s right—you did give it to me, didn’t you? Isn’t it my choice who stays here or not?
Damon’s eyes narrow.
DAMON: This isn’t funny!
ELENA: I’m not joking. She can stay as long as she likes.
Damon looks back at Katherine, who has a smug smile on her face.
DAMON: Fine! Just keep your distance, got it?
He storms inside.
ELENA: Damon, wait!
He doesn’t listen to her.
KATHERINE: Not easy being the mediator, is it?
ELENA: Whoever Elijah’s sister is, she can’t get inside unless I invite her in. You’ll be safe as long as you stay here.
KATHERINE: I don’t need your protection.
Elena stares at her.
ELENA: Well, it’s still yours—if you want it.
Elena walks past her. Katherine raises an eyebrow, impressed.
She sits down on the couch, flipping through a book.
*****
Upstairs…
DAMON: What was that?!?
Elena sighs, turning towards Damon.
ELENA: Look, I know how you feel about her…
DAMON: That has nothing to do with it! She’s dangerous, Elena! She’s killed people! She’s the reason Jenna died!
ELENA: That was Klaus.
DAMON: And you just want to invite her to stay? What, you figure if you’re really nice to her she’ll leave everybody alone?
Elena walks up to him.
ELENA: Maybe.
Damon glares at her.
DAMON: This is a mistake. A big one.
ELENA: Everything she’s done was because she was trying to get away from Klaus. He’s out of the picture now.
DAMON: And you really think that makes Katherine less dangerous? She will kill you, Elena!
ELENA: I don’t think she will. She’s had plenty of opportunity, and she hasn’t done it yet.
Damon sighs in frustration.
ELENA: Damon, she’s family.
DAMON: Do you think that matters to Katherine? Either you’re someone she can use or you’re an obstacle to eliminate. You cannot trust her!
Elena looks at him, losing her patience.
ELENA: Yeah, you’re right—who knows, she might get annoyed with me and, I don’t know—break Jeremy’s neck or something!
Damon flinched at that.
DAMON: (quietly) I thought we were past that.
Elena’s face softens.
ELENA: We are—but I’m trying to make a point, Damon. When you first came to town, you weren’t much different than Katherine. You changed—maybe she can, too?
Damon shook his head.
DAMON: Any humanity Katherine might have had died a long time ago, Elena. There’s nothing good about her—no love, no compassion, no pity! She’s nothing but a monster!
ELENA: People used to say the same thing about you, Damon. But Stefan refused to give up on you, even when you gave him every reason not to. I have to try.
Damon glares at her, furious.
DAMON: Some people are just beyond redemption.
With that, he storms out. Elena sighs, sitting down on Stefan’s bed.
*****
Back downstairs…
JEREMY: Anybody here?
Katherine looks up from her book as Jeremy and Vicki approach her.
JEREMY: I was hoping I’d find you here.
Katherine rolls her eyes.
KATHERINE: Wrong girl, Mr. Gilbert. Your sister’s upstairs.
JEREMY: I’m not looking for Elena. I came here to see you.
Katherine raises an eyebrow, intrigued. She puts her book down.
Behind Jeremy, Vicki’s eyes go wide.
KATHERINE: Oh? Don’t you have enough vampire friends to go around? Why come to me?
JEREMY: Do you know how to get in contact with Lucy?
Katherine pauses.
KATHERINE: Lucy the witch? I doubt she’s taking my calls at the moment. What, with the whole stabbing me in the back thing.
JEREMY: I just need to know where she is.
KATHERINE: What, she didn’t give your girlfriend a forwarding address?
Jeremy doesn’t answer. Slowly, a large smile appears on Katherine’s face.
KATHERINE: You don’t want Bonnie to know, do you? Interesting…
Jeremy sighs in frustration.
JEREMY: Can you do it or not?
She shrugs.
KATHERINE: What’s in it for me?
JEREMY: What do you want?
Katherine thinks for a moment.
KATHERINE: Why do you want to see her?
Jeremy bites his lip.
JEREMY: Remember that spell she cast on you and Elena, so Stefan and Damon couldn’t hurt you without hurting her? I think the same thing’s happening to me.
Katherine scoffs.
KATHERINE: You have a doppelganger?
VICKI: It’s me. I got burnt by the sun, he got burnt too.
Katherine pauses a moment.
KATHERINE: Ok.
She picks up a piece of paper—writing down an address.
KATHERINE: Last I knew, she was staying here—just cross your fingers Lucy didn’t decide to skip town.
She hands it to Jeremy. He stares at her, confused.
VICKI: Wait, that’s it? You’re not going to ask him for anything?
KATHERINE: I’ve got a pretty good idea what’s going on. I’d tell you myself, but I doubt you’ll believe me. So go on—find out what’s been done to you. Just be sure to talk to your sweetheart afterwards.
Katherine grins, as Jeremy and Vicki exit the boarding house. She then goes back to her book, still smiling.
*****
The Mystic Grill…
Tyler is at the pool table, playing a one-man game. He shoots one of the balls, only for it to skip and fly off the table.
TYLER: Great…
However, someone catches it in mid-flight. Tyler looks up to see Matt walking towards him.
MATT: Let me guess—don’t know your own strength?
Tyler chuckles.
TYLER: Yeah. I, uh—thought this game would relax me. No such luck.
MATT: Isn’t that golf?
Tyler scoffs.
TYLER: You kidding? That’s the ultimate rich kid stereotype.
The two of them laugh, as Matt picks up a cue.
MATT: Listen—I wanted to apologize. You know…for being a…well…
TYLER: Total and utter moron?
MATT: Yeah, that. The other week, you were trying to tell me about Vicki, weren’t you?
Tyler freezes, staring at Matt in surprise.
MATT: I wouldn’t even listen. And I’m sorry.
TYLER: So you know?
Matt shoots, sinking one of the balls.
MATT: Yeah. Bonnie was just at the house. Made her one of those rings.
Tyler scoffs.
TYLER: About time!
Tyler takes a shot, hitting it this time.
TYLER: So you’re cool with all this now?
MATT: I’m—getting there. It takes some getting used to, you know? My sister’s a vampire, my best friend’s a werewolf…Bonnie’s a witch, Elena’s a clone.
TYLER: Doppleganger.
MATT: Same thing. It’s like I’m stuck in the Twilight Zone or something.
Tyler makes a sour face.
TYLER: Tell me that was not deliberate!
Matt smirks.
MATT: Well, it is now!
Tyler shakes his head in disbelief.
TYLER: So I guess Caroline must be pretty happy, huh? Are you guys—you know? A thing again?
Matt sighs.
MATT: Not exactly.
Tyler’s eyes light up.
TYLER: Ok, I’m confused. I was under the impression you only broke up because of the whole vampire thing? What’s the hold-up?
MATT: That’s the point, you know? I completely wigged out on her. I spied on her, I lied to her, I treated her like some kinda monster—and then I bailed on her when she needed me most. I don’t know how I’m supposed to make things right.
He sighs.
MATT: She probably wouldn’t even take me back, anyway.
Tyler groans in frustration.
TYLER: Trust me—she will.
MATT: You think so?
TYLER: I know so. Come on—another round! Loser buys the drinks.
Matt aims his cue, and takes another shot.
*****
The Gilbert house…
Elena parks her car in the driveway. Exiting, she checks her cellphone. It doesn’t list any new messages.
ELENA: Come on, Stefan—where are you?
As she walks towards the door, however, she finds Meredith standing there waiting for her.
MEREDITH: Elena. Hi!
Elena gasps upon seeing her.
ELENA: Meredith?
MEREDITH: Sorry for startling you. Mr. Saltzman—uh, I mean your dad said you were out.
ELENA: We just call him Ric. Uh—I’m glad you’re here, actually.
MEREDITH: Is Stefan with you?
Elena shakes her head.
ELENA: No. He’s—gone to visit an old friend.
MEREDITH: What about his brother?
ELENA: I’m not sure where Damon is. Why?
Meredith bites her lip.
MEREDITH: No reason.
Both of them look at each other suspiciously.
MEREDITH: We really gonna play this ‘I have no idea what’s going on’ game, Elena?
Elena takes a step back.
ELENA: Look, I know you’re confused right now. We can help you…
MEREDITH: You’re in on it, aren’t you? I didn’t want to believe it, but—I keep getting these flashes. You were with Damon Salvatore when he erased my memory!
ELENA: Please, you have to listen…
MEREDITH: How long have you known about this? Why are you covering for them? Do they have some sort of hold over you, or…
Meredith’s eyes go wide, as she notices the mostly-faded mark on Elena’s neck.
MEREDITH: Of course—naturally. You’re Stefan’s girlfriend. It only makes sense he’d do this to you, too. Well, don’t worry—I’m going to save you, Elena.
Elena blinks in confusion.
ELENA: What are you talking about?
MEREDITH: Where’s Stefan?
ELENA: Why?
MEREDITH: Because I’m going to kill him!
Elena gasps.
ELENA: What? No!
MEREDITH: Don’t get in my way, Elena. I know it doesn’t seem like it at the moment, but I’m doing this for you!
Elena grabs her arm.
ELENA: I won’t let you hurt him!
Meredith flinches, as Elena effortlessly shoves her to the ground.
MEREDITH: Ow!
Elena’s eyes go wide.
ELENA: (whispering)You’re human?
Meredith kicks Elena’s legs, knocking her backwards.
MEREDITH: They’ve really got a hold on you, don’t they? Too bad I’ve studied martial arts…
Elena springs forward, punching Meredith in the jaw. She falls over, unconscious.
ELENA: Too bad I’ve fought actual vampires before.
*****
Inside…
Alaric’s mouth hangs open as Elena drags Meredith’s unconscious body into the house.
ALARIC: Hey, isn’t that…?
ELENA: You need to lock her up somewhere, Ric! Upstairs, the basement—just hold onto her until I can get in touch with Damon or Stefan! Please—it’s important.
Alaric picks Meredith up.
ALARIC: What happened?
ELENA: She knows about Stefan and Damon. She said she was planning to kill Stefan—we have to try and talk to her.
ALARIC: And beating her up is the way to go about it?
ELENA: I didn’t have a choice. Just—make sure she doesn’t go anywhere, ok?
Alaric sighs, but nods in agreement. Elena quickly hurries out the door.