#//stefan kinda finds out the truth in pieces

[painofhumanity]

Stefan almost smirked at that, pleased to hear that, with all of Damon's many obvious advances, Elena was disgusted by him. His humor was quickly replaced by something like mourning when she asked what he knew about the first Stefan Salvatore. "Other than the fact that he was Damon's actual brother, who also became a vampire. . . Not much." It still left a sour taste in his mouth whenever he acknowledged that the brother he'd always looked up to wasn't actually his brother at all. "Damon's pretty much refused to tell me anything about him, but. . he did say that we're a lot alike."

"I'd rather not let Damon hear me say anything at all." Elena spoke in a tone of disgust, her face matching her voice. She didn't like Damon or how invasive he tended to be. But Stefan... he was so kind and warm and selfless. She loved everything about him and Damon was nothing like the man she was currently lovingly gazing at. And if Stefan wanted to learn more about his family, then Elena would stand by him and help. Stefan could ask her to do anything and she'd do it if it made him feel better - he'd do the same for her. "Is there anything you do know about him?"

[houseisekai]

House Isekai: A Realm Reborn - Part 1, Old Places and New Faces (2 of 2)

House Isekai ARR Masterlist Here

—

Upon their return to Fodlan, Kazuma, Rean, Towa, and Aigis have found that it has changed drastically. Whether it was for better or worse, was unknown.

After reuniting Sitri and meeting the second generation of Garreg Mach students, the four make their way once more into the Zanado Tower...

Class VII pressed onwards as they looked at the environment constantly shifting around them.

Colossal platforms flew past them with lights flickering to life.

Altina struggled to process it all, so much information was flowing in at once.

Kurt tried his best to ignore the fantastical sights around him and tried to find an exit.

All he found were several crates with notes scattered on them and massive doorways.

Many of the platforms moved higher up into the room, but he had no idea where that would lead, so he avoided them.

(Juna) "K-Kurt? Do we know where we're going?"

(Kurt) "N-...No."

(Ash) "It'll probably be fine. Rean went through here right?"

(Musse) "Maybe? Where is everyone?"

(Altina) "...I seem to detect life forms?"

(Kurt) "Friendly?"

(Altina) "Unknown. None match Instru-...Hold on a moment."

(Everyone) ?

(Altina) "I am sensing Instructor Rean's presence. It is near the very top of this...building?"

(Musse) "Hm...I'm worried about the other ones."

(Juna) "Same here. We all got our weapons right?"

Class VII nodded and drew their weapons, keeping it at the ready.

(Juna) "Whew, least we're not totally unprepared."

"ALERT! ALERT!"

The five of them quickly moved closer together, looking around the area and trying to find the voice.

"THREAT DETECTED, UNKNOWN SIGNATURES DETECTED, ENGAGING SECURITY MEASURES."

(Kurt) "Is...it talking about us?"

(Ash) "If it is, then we better shut up and get out of here."

[A Long Fall - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

Sitri and the others stepped into Tower and heard the alert blare throughout the area.

(Kazuma) "The hell?"

Aigis turned back and looked at the Garreg Mach students and frowning.

(Aigis) "Is it detecting us?"

(Helena) "Considering this is our first time here, probably."

(Kairos) "W-WHAT IN THE WORLD?!"

(Elizabeth) "What is this place?!"

(Astrid) "It's so...bright!"

(Stefan) "Yeah, the glowing crystals are kinda hurting my eyes..."

(Sitri) "This is the Zanado Tower. It's where House Isekai came from, what I can understand anyway."

(Helena) "That the truth?"

Helena turned to the four.

(Towa) "We think so?"

(Rean) "Honestly, the details are a bit lost on us as well."

(Kazuma) "The only person that knew that much was Sothis and Byleth and..."

Their faces showed a hint of sadness before Elizabeth brought up another question, not noticing their shift when mentioning Byleth.

(Elizabeth) "S-So, this is where that creature was sighted? How do we even begin covering this large of an area with our small number?"

(Sitri) "W-Well...Um..."

KABOOM!

(Everyone) !?

(Rean) "Think that's our culprit?"

(Towa) "I can't think of anyone else that could be here!"

(Sitri) "Everyone, move out!"

...

(Buck) "Ach, damn it!"

Buck waved away the smoke that was covering the area.

(Mickey) "H-Hey, at least we got the door open, right? Even if it was a little too much."

(Dutch) "Doubt using 7 explosive charges is considered "a little"."

The massive door in front of them was completely blown into pieces, the debris scattering everywhere, and some falling into the cavern beneath them.

Romeo checked the scope of his sniper and put one finger on the trigger.

(Mickey) "If that alert was about us, then it's going to get even more pissed off."

(Dutch) "Every security system must know where we're at now."

(Buck) "All the more reason to get our asses moving, now-"

Buck turned back to the hole in the door before noticing something on his visor.

The motion tracker was detecting several things coming to them, and he quickly motioned backwards to the cover they were using from the door breach.

Everyone got their weapons pointed at the door waiting for them.

(Buck) "On my mark..."

From the smoke, several figures emerged wielding all sorts of weapons ranging from swords to bows.

And it was then the squad's visors picked up the outline of them, they were human.

(Buck) "HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!"

...

Amber kept her bow trained on the four hiding behind cover, waiting for instruction.

(Duvalie) "They're human...I think?"

(Kaeya) "Never seen that armor before."

(Lisa) "Jean, dear?"

(Jean) "Who are you all?"

Her eyes drifted to the massive hole behind them. How could they have caused an explosion that big?

If she said the wrong thing, they could be killed.

(Buck) "Sergeant Gunnery Buck, and this is my squad! UNSC, Helljumpers! How 'bout you miss, we on the same side?"

(Jean) "My name is Jean, of the Knights of Favonius!"

Buck looked at his other squadmates and they shrugged.

(Buck) "You folks happen to know where we are?"

(Jean) "I'm afraid we do not. But we are allies, not enemies if that is what you're wondering."

Romeo examined every one of them as Buck was speaking to them. They didn't seem to be dressed for battle. In fact, the green one that looked like a girl had a damn instrument, not a weapon.

And the purple woman with the witch hat only had a book.

(Mickey) "Frankly, I say we don't take the chance."

(Dutch) "Yeah, great idea, kill the only things that HASN'T tried to kill us."

(Buck) "Alright. We believe ya. Stand down."

The squad nodded and stood up, the Knights of Favonius stepping forward.

(Jean) "I think it's plain to see we're...both out of our element."

(Buck) "Seems like it. As I said, call me Buck, and these are my men."

(Mickey) "Mickey."

(Dutch) "Name's Dutch. Pleasure."

(Romeo) "..."

Buck's visor became see-through, his face being visible as he turned to face Romeo.

(Buck) "What's the matter? Helmet turned off?"

Romeo shrugged.

(Venti) "Um, is he okay?"

(Buck) "Oh, I get it. Permission to speak. Smartass."

(Romeo) "Name's Romeo, ladies."

He turned to face Jean, Lisa, Duvalie and Amber.

Rolling her eyes, Duvalie butted into the conversation.

(Duvalie) "Ugh, keep it to yourself. Anyways, I'm Duvalie, head knight of the Stahlritter."

(Mickey) "Thought you were with the...whatever you guys were called."

(Kaeya) "Favonius. Actually, she's from another world, as I'm assuming you all are. Kaeya, by the way."

Buck examined their clothing again and when he started to think on it, no human from their world, no matter the planet, would wear something so outlandish as that, especially in the middle of a war.

(Diluc) "...Diluc."

(Venti) "I'm Venti!"

(Amber) "Amber, hope we get along!"

(Lisa) "And I'm Lisa. All of us except Duvalie are together."

(Romeo) "Before we get caught in a never ending cycle of introductions, can we get the hell out of here before anymore of those things show up?"

(Jean) "You've seen them too?"

(Buck) "Weird glowy blue gnome looking things?"

(Duvalie) "The hell is a gnome?"

(Lisa) "Let's put it this way to make sure we're on the same page, were they carrying a staff and rather short?"

(Dutch) "Those are the ones, ma'am."

(Diluc) "Abyss mages are attacking them too..."

(Kaeya) "Think Romeo had a point, we'll discuss this once we're in relative safety, we were nearing the exit I believe, before you all blew a hole through that door."

(Mickey) "Hey, we had to get in somehow!"

(Buck) "Hold up, we weren't going to leave just yet. There was a group of kids that was making their way upwards."

(Amber) "Kids? We didn't see anyone else on the way."

(Romeo) "Oh, right. They just got here. I'm all for saving them, but we barely managed to get away from those mage things. Our bullets didn't seem to do anything."

Jean held her rapier and nodded.

(Jean) "Allow us to take care of it with you. Change of plans, we're headed back in."

She stood next to Buck as he darkened his visor and checked his assault rifle.

(Buck) "After you, miss Jean."

...

Rean was the first one through the hole in the door and looked around, no one appeared to be there.

Everyone else stepped forward weapons drawn, and it was now Rean noticed what everyone was carrying.

Sitri had the Sword of the Creator, Kairos and Elizabeth had spellbooks, Helena had a knife, Astrid held a lance, and Stefan wielded an axe.

The students appeared to have no hesitation about their weapon of choice, but Sitri was slightly trembling.

It was clear she had done some training with a sword, and yet...

He shook his head, now wasn't the time to be focusing on that.

(Aigis) "I am detecting several lifeforms down below."

Aigis turned to her right and looked at the glowing circle-like shape at the end of the walkway.

(Towa) "Anyone familiar?"

(Aigis) "...Negative."

(Kazuma) "Then let's get down there, maybe the little shits that caused this are close by, considering how recent that explosion was."

(Sitri) "Right, let's try to find a way down."

Sitri and the Garreg Mach students stepped near the circular platform while the former House Isekai members examined the explosion hole.

(Aigis) "These explosions appear to be made from devices similar to C4..."

(Kazuma) "What, these guys packing modern day weapons too?"

(Rean) "What's C4?"

(Aigis) "Small explosive charges that you can put on virtually any surface."

(Towa) "Something that small can cause that much damage?!"

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was examining the glowing circular platform with the other students and Sitri close to her.

(Helena) "What is it?

(Elizabeth) "I'm not sure...Maybe it's some kind of-"

Elizabeth put her hand on the platform, which made it glow an even brighter orange as it catapulted the group forward to the other walkway, causing them to scream.

Rean and the others turned their direction and saw them land on a platform which began to move away.

(Kazuma) "AW SHIT, SITRI!"

(Towa) "THE STUDENTS!"

(Rean) "After them!"

Before they could move any further, they heard strange noises behind them, which made them draw their weapons...

...

When Kairos got up and saw the moving platform, he immediately turned to Elizabeth.

(Kairos) "GREAT JOB, YOU IDIOT!"

(Elizabeth) "D-Don't you yell at me with that tone! How was I supposed to know that-"

(Helena) "Both of you shut up. Focus."

She held onto her knife tighter as she realized the platform was heading downwards.

(Sitri) "Is everyone alright?"

(Astrid) "Just fine, Lady Sitri. Can't say we'll be that way for long.

(Stefan) "We're going deeper into the tower, is that a bad thing?"

(Sitri) "This is my first time in the Tower when it wasn't being controlled by memories, so I'm not sure..."

(Kairos) "Fantastic..."

Elizabeth had a mind to slap Kairos but kept it to herself, instead examining just how far down they were going...

...

Class VII moved even quicker after hearing the explosion, trying to find anything resembling stairs since they were unsure about the elevators.

(Musse) "I don't think we have any other way up."

(Juna) "Maybe we can-"

BOOM! BOOM!

Two gunshots roared through the area, with a thud echoing and signaling that someone or something was brutally killed.

Kurt motioned forward and Class VII turned the corner to see a massive man clad in yellow armor, towering over some strange creature.

It was short, fat, and blue. It was uttering some language they didn't understand before the soldier stomped on its head, crushing it.

Class VII drew their weapons and the yellow soldier turned to face them.

(Yellow Soldier) "...Children?"

The soldier eyed them up and down, trying to identify them as Class VII did the same.

The armor he was wearing looked heavy and durable, being wide as some of the doorways they passed through. He stood at around 8 feet, holding a rifle as big as his chest.

(Kurt) "...What was that thing you killed?"

The soldier turned to the creature and shrugged, the shoulder pauldrons moving up and down was the only indication he did so since his armor was so massive.

(Yellow Soldier) "Most likely some form of xenos. It opened fire as soon as it saw me, so I purged it. Better I have done so since children are in the area."

He turned to face them.

(Yellow Soldier) "Though you are far from defenseless it seems."

Kurt didn't put away his weapons, and neither did anyone else.

(Yellow Soldier) "...I am Raelyn. Raelyn Amuto, Adeptus Astartes."

(Juna) "You're a...what now?"

(Altina) "Does not match any known organization in Erebonia."

(Musse) "Not ringing a bell for me either..."

(Raelyn) "...You are?"

(Kurt) "We are Class VII, part of Thor's Military Academy, Branch Campus."

Raelyn lowered his rifle, the helmet's unblinking lenses seemingly staring straight into them.

(Raelyn) "We are Space Marines, mankind's greatest warriors."

(Ash) "Evidently."

(Raelyn) "Do you know the area I am in?"

(Kurt) "Not a clue. We were following our Instructor to find out where he went, and we ended up here."

(Raelyn) "Hmph. Stay behind me. I do not know what awaits us-"

He stuck a hand outwards as he noticed a platform moving downwards. Everyone readied their weapons again, and keeping it on them seeing another group land in front of them.

(Buck) "Hey, those are the kids! And...!"

(Kaeya) "Looks like they already met one of the Abyss mages."

(Mickey) "Goddamn, that is some armor!"

(Raelyn) "Guardsmen? And..."

He lowered his weapon, though Class VII didn't.

(Jean) "Before you ask, we are not enemies, and we are just as lost as you all."

Dutch turned to the knights and noticed Duvalie had her sword still up.

(Dutch) "What's the deal with her?"

(Venti) "Huh? Duvalie what's wrong-"

(Duvalie) "THOSE BRATS, THAT'S WHATS WRONG!"

(Altina) "Threat detected."

Class VII and Duvalie stood off against each other.

(Raelyn) "...It's safe to assume you are acquainted then."

(Kurt) "She tried to kill our class, our instructor and HIS class."

Jean frowned and turned to her.

(Jean) "You told me you were a knight of justice."

(Duvalie) "I-I am!"

(Buck) "Everyone, stand down! This pissing match is only going to slow us down!"

Buck saw the corpse of the Abyss Mage and sighed.

(Buck) "And it's clear you've already met the things trying to kill all of us. I don't know your histories, but that doesn't matter for right now! Let's get out of here and THEN you all can-"

Another platform landed behind Buck, making everyone turn around.

(Sitri) "U-Um...!"

(Helena) "Oh crap."

(Kairos) "I swear to the Goddess, Elizabeth-"

(Elizabeth) "WILL YOU SHUT UP?!"

Stefan gulped and adjusted his helmet.

(Astrid) "Uh...hi?"

(Everyone) ...

(Amber) "Hello!"

(Romeo) "For god's sake-."

(Juna) "Just how many of us are lost down here?!"

(Sitri) "Um..."

Sitri took a deep breath and tried her best to look confident.

(Sitri) "My name is Sitri, leader of Garreg Mach, and you're in our world. If you want answers, please come with us."

The students stared at her as if she were crazy.

(Kairos) "What?!"

(Elizabeth) "Look how many of them are here, I don't like these offworlders any more than you do, but we need to NOT piss them off, as you are very much pissing me off!"

(Helena) "You're not doing much better yourself-"

(Stefan) "H-Helena please that is NOT helping!"

(Astrid) "ANYWAYS! You want answers, we got it! Please let's just get out of here!"

Everyone looked at each other.

There was an awkward silence before Raelyn stepped forward first.

(Raelyn) "Very well, Sitri. Lead the way."

(Sitri) "Well um... we don't know the way up."

Jean motioned everyone to her, and they all stood together as the platform's lights pulsated quietly.

They sheathed their weapons and quietly looked out in front of them, staring at the massive crystal in the middle of the room.

Just where was this, and why were they brought here?

What were those creatures attacking everyone?

And what is Garreg Mach?

Hopefully soon, they would have answers to all these questions, and find a way back home...

...

...

...

(Altina) "...We are not moving."

(Duvalie) "Gee, I couldn't tell."

(Lisa) "Dears, what's the holdup?"

(Stefan) "D-Don't look at us!"

(Raelyn) "Are there too many on top of this?"

(Buck) "Dutch, the button?"

(Dutch) "Oh, sorry."

Beep!

...

Aigis blocked an ice spike that was aimed at Towa with her Persona, Athena easily blocking it with her shield.

Towa took another potshot with her pistol, but it was stopped by some icy aura surrounding the Abyss Mage as it danced along, taunting them.

Rean and Kazuma swung their weapons at it, but were deflected and sent flying back.

(Aigis) "None of our attacks are working!"

(Towa) "W-What do we do?!"

(Kazuma) "Do we hit it harder?"

(Rean) "Heed my call...!-"

Whirrrrrrr...!

(Everyone) !

Everyone, including the Abyss Mage, looked back to the walkway and saw a platform that carried a large amount of people unload, everyone drawing their weapons.

(Altina) "Instructor!"

(Rean) "What in the-What are you all-"

(Buck) "There's those sons of bitches!"

(Raelyn) "PURGE IT IN THE EMPEROR'S NAME!"

The Abyss Mage screamed in terror as those with guns opened fire, it quickly teleporting away from the massive group.

(Diluc) "Damn it, it got away!"

(Aigis) "...No other presence detected besides us. It appears we are safe for now."

(Kazuma) "Tch, wanted to show that asshole a thing or two, now...'

The four looked at the group and to Sitri. Towa and Reans' eyes were glued to Duvalie, her taking notice as well.

(Aigis) "...Are these friends?"

(Jean) "I hope we can be."

(Kairos) "They better."

(Rean) "Uh..."

(Duvalie) "NOT. A WORD."

Sitri took a step back as everyone scattered to their respective group.

Duvalie stood with the ODST's and Raelyn while the Knights of Favonius stood by themselves.

Class VII followed Rean and Towa, as the students of Garreg Mach got near Sitri and each other.

(Kaeya) "Quite the odd group we have lined up."

(Buck) "I can't help but feel like we're out of place."

(Raelyn) "Agreed..."

(Duvalie) "Of all the people, it had to be YOU."

(Rean) "G-Great to see you too, Duvalie."

Sitri trembled slightly before feeling a hand on her shoulder. Turning behind her, she saw Sothis smiling.

(Sothis) "Don't worry. I've seen this happen before, and I know what can get them together real quick."

Kazuma noticed Sothis talking to Sitri, but considering how on edge everyone was, he decided not to say anything.

(Kazuma) Please have a good idea, Sothis...

(Sitri) "I-If I could have everyone's attention!"

Everyone turned to face her, which made Sitri silent for a moment, but after putting her hand on her chest, she looked more determined than ever.

(Sitri) "I know everyone is terribly confused on where they are and what's happening. I do not have the answers myself, but I assure you, we will."

(Astrid) "We?"

(Sitri) "Yes. With the arrival of so many newcomers from other worlds, and with veterans of this situation being here..."

She nodded again and looked at everyone.

(Sitri) "As leader of Garreg Mach Monastery, I hereby reestablish, House Isekai!"

(Aigis) "Oh?"

(Rean and Towa) "HUH?!"

(Kazuma) "THE FUCK?"

(Buck) "...The hell's an Isekai?"

His squad, Duvalie, and Raelyn shrugged.

(Kurt) "Has...Instructor Rean and Towa done this before?"

Class VII looked at Rean, then back to Sitri.

Jean nodded.

(Jean) "It seems this is not their first time being visited by people from other worlds."

(Diluc) "Hmph, I blame the Traveler for this."

All things considered, the Knights of Favonius looked relatively calm about the situation.

The students of Garreg Mach all had mixed opinions. They didn't view House Isekai in a very good light, but now they HAD to be a part of it.

(Kairos) "This is not going to end well..."

(Elizabeth) "Oh dear."

(Helena) "This oughtta be interesting."

(Stefan) "Hah, that's one way to put it..."

(Astrid) "Goddess help us..."

...

(Sitri's voice) "...I hereby reestablish, House Isekai!"

Mercedes smiled as she heard Sitri's voice through her crystal and put it into her pocket and stretched.

Through the door, a small girl and a fairy came into the room.

(Recette) "Hey Mercie! We got the reports from this month in!"

(Tear) "Yes, it appears to be within...why are you smiling?"

(Mercedes) "I've just been listening into Sitri's progress."

(Recette) "What's going on?"

Mercedes didn't say anything as she motioned them to follow her.

(Sitri) "We have a welcome back party to work on!"

(Tear) "For...who?"

(Mercedes) "Just some old friends..."

PART 1: ENDED

TO BE CONTINUED...

[Lost in Paradise - ALI]

Gotta get it homie gotta move it If you gonna do it then, push everything to the side Everybody just talk nobody really do it You should keep a secret until you actually do it No need to double check with someone Use your judgement only, break the walls Let's do flashy fake More Cool, keep it low, prove them wrong I won't give up the fight in my life 'Cause my life is living for love I won't give up the fight in my life Stand off and groove on time Tokyo prison Going to relight your feelings When times get too rough Night and day are fading Going to relight your feelings There's no time to explain Gimme your love Access to your love Oh yeah Lost in paradise Night and day are fading out When times getting rough Access to your love Lost in paradise Night and day are fading out Keep on dancing now Hеy hey hеy hey heyeah

[bamon4bamily]

9x12 - There’s no place like home (part 1) Enjoy! =)

Cut to – Munich, Germany; late at night. Elena, having a bad case of insomnia, gets out of bed, makes herself some coffee, and begins to write in her journal.

Dear Diary,

Once again, I’ve gone MIA on you. I really need to try harder. I’ll take this sleepless night as a starting point. Anyway, I’m writing to you from a foreign land, Munich, my new home. The city is absolutely beautiful, and the University, an intimidating fortress of knowledge. I have never felt so excited and scared at the same time. The medical program is way over my capacities, but I believe I can get through it, if I devote myself to study, and learn as much as I can from Sam. He is such a prodigy, doesn’t give himself nearly as much credit as he should. Speaking of Sam, you should know I am head over heels for him, and have been living with him for some time. Unlike my previous experience, I’ve learned that it is possible to live amicably with your other half… Although, just between us, and despite my best efforts to let go, I admit that it still bothers me. Buried deep inside, I have these feelings of jealousy, which I wish would finally go away… Not only about him, but Stefan as well… How screwed up am I? I mean, nothing makes me happier than to see Bonnie and Caroline happy, but why did it have to be with them? Sounds horrible, I know, and I fight each day to grow out of it; guess it’s harder than I thought. Enough with the past, I need to focus on the new, better version of myself, and move on. But I do miss home…      

Cut to – the Salvatore mansion. Bonnie, Damon, Caroline, and Stefan, arrive from the airport. As soon as Caroline puts her luggage on the floor, the girls run down the stairs to greet her.

 JOSIE & LIZ: Mommy!!!!

CAROLINE: My girls!! (Hugs them) I missed you so much!!!  

JOSIE & LIZ: We missed you too, mommy!! (They turn to Stefan, Bonnie, and Damon) And you too!! (They hug them).

CAROLINE: Guess what, girls? I come baring gifts!! Quick, open that bag and find out what’s inside… (the girls rush to open the bag and take their gifts out; Caroline, surprised that Alaric didn’t come down, asks for his whereabouts). Where’s daddy?

JOSIE: (Switches from full excitement to nervousness at his mention) Uhm... we… we don’t know…

CAROLINE: What do you mean you don’t know? Then, who is taking care you??

LIZZY: Miss. Cuddles!

CAROLINE: Are you kidding!!?? Wait, are you girls playing with me? Is this some type of guilt trip to punish me for going away? (Shouts) Ric! Ha, ha, ha, real funny! You can come out now, I’m not buying it!

JOSIE: I told you mommy, he is gone… and so are they…

STEFAN: Who is they?

JOSIE: Radka, Mr. Sergei, Miss. Lexi, Mr. Tyler, Miss Margo, Miss. Katherine, the scary looking lady, that other lady, and the ghost lady…

CAROLINE: Girls, stop, this isn’t funny.

LIZZY: We are telling you the truth, mommy, pinky swear.

DAMON: (To Bonnie) I’ll go check the house out (he vamps away).

BONNIE: Girls, why don’t you tell us what you know.

JOSIE: It’s all my fault… I knew I shouldn’t have played with that toy.

CAROLINE: Which toy?

JOSIE: The one daddy hides in his lock… we were doing a spell to help Miss. Katherine and the lock was open, so I took it. Then Miss. Katherine was gone… and then we woke up today, just before you got home, and they were all gone…

CAROLINE: You were doing a spell? For what?

LIZZY: To put them back in their bodies, or something… but then Josie took that toy, and I don’t think it worked anymore.

CAROLINE: This is making no sense! Not even a day back, and this is what we come home to, absolute chaos!

BONNIE: Calm down, Care, we’ll figure out what’s going on.

DAMON: Well I think they are definitely playing a prank un us; look who I found roaming around (he is holding “Katherine” by the arm) … and, (puts Miss. Cuddles on the sofa), there’s something very wrong with Miss Cuddles. 

CAROLINE: Why am I not surprised! (Grabs “Katherine” by the neck) You better tell me right now, what the hell is going on!!?? And why the hell are you still here!!!

IVAN: (Looking very scared) Please, don’t hurt me!! I… I... I’m not Miss. Katherine, I’m a student, Ivan, remember me, Miss. Caroline?

CAROLINE: Really? You want to play that game?

JOSIE: He’s telling the truth, mommy… he’s in Miss. Katherine’s body and she’s in his.

STEFAN: Who is in who’s body now? Wow… (whispers to Damon) is there a chance we might still be high? (Damon makes a “who knows face”).

BONNIE: (Inspecting Miss. Cuddles) Well, there is definitely something wrong with Miss. Cuddles; there’s a camera inside…

DAMON: Let me see… (takes the camera out) This is some freaky shit…

STEFAN: That’s an understatement.

CAROLINE: Okay, okay, no need to panic (she is clearly panicking) …

BONNIE: (Connecting the dots) Wait… Josie, about that toy… what did it look like?

JOSIE: It’s the toy you built with us aunt Bonnie… (they all stare at each other).

BONNIE: Oh no…

Cut to – the secret facility, Edward’s cell.

 AUGUSTUS: When shall we expect our guest to arrive?

EDWARD: He’s on his way back; should be home by tonight.

AUGUSTUS: Good. (As he is about to leave, he turns around) I’ve arranged a funeral service for tomorrow. You see, I’m not as bad as you think… And, as promised, once we have him in our custody, I’ll make it worth your while. I have a big surprise for you (winks, then leaves).

Cut to – 2018 prison world. Salvatore mansion basement cell. Alaric, Lexi, Sergei, Margo, The Madame, Danae, Radka and Tyler are locked up, starting to gain consciousness after they apparently blacked-out.

ALARIC: What the hell happened?

THE MADAME: I think it’s safe to say that our plan failed, darling.

ALARIC: Sergei, you are here… I thought we agreed you’d stay behind to watch the girls.

SERGEI: That was the plan, my friend. Somehow, I ended up here…  

ALARIC: Shit, shit, shit!

RADKA: Ric, come down. We aren’t going to solve anything by getting angry. I’m sure the girls are fine; Caroline is probably home by now, won’t take them long to figure out what’s going on.

TYLER: So much for full vamp, werewolf and witch power…

LEXI: Uhm, guys, where is Emily?

MARGO: Oh, dear… the spell… must be done by now… she’s gone.

DANAE: Meaning we are stuck in here… Great!

RADKA: Why did we even attempt to do this? What were we thinking?

THE MADAME: We weren’t.

ALARIC: Does anyone remember how we ended up in the Salvatore’s basement? There is no way Kai could have pulled this off on his own. (The door window shed opens; Kai is standing on the other side).

KAI: There you go again, Ric. Always underestimating people. Some words of advice: “Arrogance in full bloom bears a crop of ruinous folly from which it reaps a harvest all of tears.”

ALARIC: Kai, you piece of shit! I swear if you don’t let us out of here…

KAI: Calm yourself, I thought you were a teacher; such vulgar language. For the life of me, I will never understand how Josette fell in love with you. May she rest in peace. But, fear not, I mean you no harm, unlike you, I have changed. However, I am curious as to why you have intruded my eternal game of solitaire. Care to compose yourself, and explain?

ALARIC: Listen, all we want is to find Katherine and get out of here. Just tell us where she is, and we’ll get out of your way.

KAI: Oh, so the boy was telling the truth. Ha, my bad… (Looks at his watch) will you look at the time! Sorry, I must head out now, I’m going to be late for teatime. I will be back soon, and we can figure this whole thing out. I am sorry to have to keep you like this, I’m sure you can understand why. Don’t worry, it won’t be for long, I promise. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some music so you can relax. (Closes the window shed, plays the same Beethoven song, in yet another jukebox; then leaves).

RADKA: I don’t get it. If he wanted us dead, we would be. He doesn’t seem to want anything from us. Why not just let us go so he can continue with his lonely existence; he seems to enjoy it.

TYLER: Isn’t it obvious? He’s waiting for Bonnie to show up and save the day, like she always does.

RADKA: Why is he so obsessed with her?

ALARIC: I think that in his weird psycho way, he’s in love with her.

TYLER: To be fair, it’s hard not to fall in love with Bonnie, so I kinda get where he’s coming from.

LEXI: I agree.

DANAE: Me too.

ALARIC: I think we can all agree. But something is off with him. The old Kai would have gutted us by now. The way he talks, how he’s dressed... doesn’t fit.

TYLER: Maybe he has changed…

ALARIC: Come on, Ty, you don’t believe that for a second, do you?

TYLER: I’m just saying, if the queen of hell managed to somehow find her way. Maybe he did too... I mean, let’s be honest, we’ve all done some horrible things.

ALARIC: You do remember this is the same person that murdered his entire family, including my ex-wife, and your ex-girlfriend.

TYLER: Well, when you put it that way… Forget what I said, we need to get the fuck out of here, with or without Katherine.

THE MADAME: Why did I ever agree to do this?!

MARGO: I hear you.

DANAE: Ditto!

Cut to – The Salvatore mansion. Bonnie, Damon, Caroline and Stefan are in the library.

 BONNIE: So, it’s settled then. Damon and I will go, you guys stay here to watch over the girls.

CAROLINE: Why does it have to be you?

BONNIE: You know why, Care. 

DAMON: How did they get themselves into this mess in the first place, those freakin morons!

BONNIE: They did what they thought was right, can’t blame them for trying.

STEFAN: I think I should go with you too; you’ll need as much help as you can get.

DAMON: No offense, bro, but you’re still a human, I can’t see how you can help.

STEFAN: Well, I don’t have to be a human… Let’s do it, right here and now. We were going to do it anyway, so this is the perfect time.

CAROLINE: That ‘s true… Are you really sure?

STEFAN: I’m sure, Care.

BONNIE: Guys, there is no need to rush anything, Damon and I can handle this.

STEFAN: We know you can, Bon, but I want to help. Come on, let’s just get this over with. Care, ready?

CAROLINE: As ready as I’ll ever be… (bites her wrist and holds it out for Stefan to drink).

STEFAN: Damon, your turn. One in a lifetime opportunity, bro.

DAMON: Should we go for the old neck snap? Those are always fun (wiggles his eyebrows).

STEFAN: Sure, why not. Just do it already.

BONNIE: Stefan, really, you don’t have to...  

STEFAN: I know, Bon, I want to. (To Damon) Do it.

DAMON: (Grabs him by the head) Last chance to back out, are you sure this is what you want?

STEFAN: I’m sure, Damon. Come on, the sooner the better, snap it!

DAMON: Okay... (snaps his neck, he falls dead to the ground)...  Well, that’s that. Now we just have to wait until he wakes up, make sure nothing went wrong.

STEFAN: (Not even a minute out, and his awake) That wasn’t as bad as I remembered it…

CAROLINE: (Hugs him) Here (hands him a blood bag to complete the transition).

STEFAN: For better or worse, bottoms up! (Chugs the blood bag, and completes the transition).

CAROLINE: Are you feeling okay?

STEFAN: (Vamps from one side of the room to the other) I feel great! Remind me again why I ever wanted to become human?

DAMON: Been telling you for centuries!

STEFAN: Well, I’m ready. Let’s go do this.

BONNIE: Are you sure you are up for it? You might need some time to process…

STEFAN: I’m fine, Bon, no need to process. Might be weird but it feels natural. Trust me, I feel just fine, better than fine. 

BONNIE: Okay, then (to Damon and Stefan) grab my hand… (she does the spell, and off they go).

Cut to – the Lockwood house. Matt arrives from the airport. Inside, waiting for him, a SWAT team.

MATT: (Puts his luggage on the floor) No need to shoot this time. Let me just grab some things and we can go.

AGENT: What things?

MATT: I need a suit; I have a funeral to attend.

AGENT: Fine, get it fast. I’ll follow you. (As they are walking upstairs) Where is your wife?

MATT: Not your concern, she’s not part of the deal.

AGENT: Better not be planning anything, Donovan. We got eyes on all of you.

MATT: Then you have nothing to worry about. Unless of course your little gadgets fail… which I’m sure they won’t.

AGENT: Just shut up and hurry up.

MATT: (Grabs the suit) I’m ready, let’s go.

Cut to- 2018 prison world. Salvatore mansion backyard. Katherine is tied to a chair in a very bizarre setting of a tea party, Alice in Wonderland style. Horribly made replicas of Miss Cuddles are set on the other chairs as “guests”. Kai comes out with some biscuits and a teat pot, sets it on the table, then sits in front of Katherine, who has, once again, been mouth covered.

KAI: (Takes a sip of his tea, then stares deep into the boy’s eyes) Well, that was an interesting twist to the story… Katherine. 

(He takes another sip of tea, and once again, plays the Beethoven song, this time from his phone).

Cut to – 2018 prison world, Mystic Falls downtown. Damon, Bonnie and Stefan have just arrived.

STEFAN: (Looking around the place) Never thought something so familiar would feel so creepy.

DAMON: Welcome to bizzaro world, brother.

BONNIE: (Sarcastically) Now imagine this, plus your brother, and 1994…

DAMON: Hey! Rude!

BONNIE: Just calling it like it was. But I’ll give you one thing, the plaid thing kinda grew on me (kisses him).

DAMON: And so did Boyz II Men… I’ve heard you blast it in the shower so you can’t deny it.

STEFAN: They had some good tunes…

DAMON: Aha! I told you it was his!

STEFAN: Uhm, nice try, bro, but no; that was totally you.  

BONNIE: (With a smirk) I knew it!

DAMON: You are never gonna let that go, are you?

BONNIE: Not a chance in hell. But I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine.

DAMON: Deal (they shake hands).

BONNIE: Okay, back to the mission in question; it’s going to be a tricky one. I designed this place not to have a celestial event so there’d be no way out. I’m gonna have to tweak somethings around, but…

DAMON: Bon?

BONNIE: I’ve never done anything like this, so who knows what could happen. A full moon shouldn’t be that hard to conjure… But, hey, worst case scenario, this place becomes weirder than it already is. No big deal; we can handle weird, right?

DAMON: We got weird down to a science. Let’s get awkward!

BONNIE: (Smirks) Okay boys, give me your hand. (She concentrates, her eyes turn white as she chants. The wind begins to blow at full force, the place shakes, the sky distorts).

 Cut back to - Kai and Katherine’s tea party. Something feels off… The place begins to shake, and the sky twirls as if someone on acid was staring at it. Suddenly, it stops. A full moon lights what was once a pitch-dark sky.

 KAI: (Looks up at the sky, sees the full moon and smiles. The Kai we know returns) She’s here…  

How do I look? Oops, that’s right, you can’t talk. I’mma take that look as a “great”. God, I’m so nervous! (Takes deep breaths) Okay, okay, I have to pull myself together. (To the Miss Cuddles replicas, pointing at the sky) You see that? She’s finally here!!! And I need to get ready for karaoke night!! (To Katherine) Sorry to leave you hanging like this… Nah, who am I kidding, not sorry at all! (Rushes into the house).

 Cut back to – Downtown, Mystic Falls. Bonnie, Damon and Stefan.

STEFAN: Wow, Bon; that was intense!

BONNIE: Can’t believe I pulled that off...

DAMON: (Kisses her) Of course you did, you always do.

BONNIE: Now that that’s solved; on to the next part of the plan. Kai is probably expecting me now, and I’m pretty sure where to find him. Why don’t you guys go to your house, figure out where everyone is; and I’ll meet up with our old friend.  

DAMON: No way I’m leaving you alone with Kai; I’m going with you.

BONNIE: Things between Kai and me are personal; I think I should do this on my own. I’ll be okay; I promise. I have a feeling he won’t want to mess with me.

DAMON: Bon, he might not try to hurt you physically, but, like you said, it’s personal.

STEFAN: He’s right, Bon. You two go find Kai, I’ll find the rest.

BONNIE: Okay… (turns to Damon) just don’t let him push your buttons.

DAMON: I won’t. I’ll keep an eye on you; you keep an eye on me.

BONNIE: That’s how we roll.

STEFAN: Call me if there’s any trouble; I’ll let you know as soon as I find them. Please, stay safe (he vamps away).

BONNIE: Ready? (Damon nods) Let’s go find our old prison world roomie.

 Cut to – Munich University, Medical Lab. Sage is running some sort of tests; she has the lab to herself. Sam walks in.

SAGE: (Startled) Sam! What the hell are you doing here?! You scared the shit out of me!

SAM: Sorry… but I could ask you the same question; it’s like 1:00 am…

SAGE: I booked the place; it’s the only time I can have it to myself.

SAM: Cause that doesn’t sound crazy… Anyway, relax, I’m not here to sabotage your sacred lab time.

SAGE: Then, what are you doing here?

SAM:  I need to ask you a favor (hands her the test tube that Elena found in the black box).

SAGE: What is this?

SAM: That’s what I’m hoping you can tell me…

SAGE: Why not just test it yourself?

SAM: I’m a scalpel kinda guy, you are the lab expert.

SAGE: (Rolls her eyes, she can’t seem to resist anything when it comes to him) Fine. I’ll let you know what I find. 

SAM: You’re the best (kisses her on the cheek).  

SAGE: Whatever. But I wasn’t kidding; I booked the place for myself, so shoo, skedaddle.

SAM: Leaving; just please, don’t tell Elena, she thinks I got rid of it…

SAGE: I won’t. But you know I’ll ask for something in return.

SAM: Wouldn’t expect anything less from you (smirks, then leaves. A few minutes later, Pietro walks in).

PIETRO: Miss Luxford, I granted you permission to use the lab for program purposes only. I sure hope that what you are holding in your hand applies to that criteria. But I have a feeling it doesn’t…

TVD 9x12 (part 2) coming next. Hope you stop by, read, and enjoy! =)