[PREVIOUSLY_ON]
Klaus: I assume I have the misfortune of speaking to my mother.
Esther: I have come to heal our family.
Klaus: She'd prefer to place us all in new bodies.
Esther: Take the body of a mortal and all be happy again. It is time you bring Camille in. There's no need for this.
Esther: My sons have taken quite the liking to you.
[Chanting]
Marcel: Proud werewolves on a witch's leash. I hope those rings you're wearing are worth it.
Kol: You're gonna like me, Davina Claire, and I'm gonna let you pretend a while that you don't already.
Esther: When he wakes, he'll make his own decision.
Klaus: You declared war when you came after my family.
You don't understand.
Marcel: Slap them on a witch, can't do magic as long as they're on.
Kol: Kidnapping. Rather unpleasant way to begin a family reunion.
Klaus: Well, wait until you see how we end it.
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ PARK / MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(At a park in an unknown location, children are playing football and playing on the playground as mothers push their children in strollers. Nearby, Rebekah smiles as she gently pushes Hope on an infant swing)
Klaus: (V.O.) We arrive into this world as innocents. Wide-eyed. Vulnerable. It is the job of our parents to nurture and protect us. Unfortunately, our own parents failed miserably at even the most basic of parental tasks. But, we are not beholden to the past they created for us.
(The camera cuts to the MIKAELSON MANSION, where Klaus and Elijah are having breakfast in the dining room with Kaleb/Kol and Vincent/Finn, who are still bound with their enchanted manacles that prevent them from doing magic. Compelled servants in suits place platters of breakfast pastries on the table)
Klaus: Today, a new future awaits. Forget your animosity toward Elijah and myself. Instead, join us against she who truly deserves your ire: our mother. (Kol rolls his eyes, and Finn just looks bored) Do this, and we will welcome you with open arms!
Kol: Well... (He reaches for a plate of pastries with his shackled hands, but Klaus pulls it out of his way. Kol sighs and rolls his eyes again)
Klaus: But, if you continue to oppose us, a denial of pastries will be the least of your concerns!
Kol: (sighs) If all you wanted was my allegiance against Mother Dearest, you should have said so! Save me a night shackled to the wall.
Elijah: Yes, this was Niklaus. My recommendation was to remove your limbs, one by one, until you comply.
Klaus: (laughs and stands up) We've... we've no desire to torture you. (He stands behind Kol and Finn and squeezes their shoulders with his hands) Provided you vow to stand beside us!
Finn: (shrugs out of Klaus' grip) Brothers... Does that word even apply to us? After all these centuries of betrayal? (He glances backward at Klaus) And, has loyalty to you ever rewarded? If so, tell me, Niklaus, where is our sister, Rebekah?
(Elijah glares at Finn as he continues speaking in voiceover. The camera cuts back to Rebekah at the park, still playing with Hope)
Finn: (V.O.) She was blindly loyal to you for a thousand years, and now? Nowhere to be found. (The scene returns to the compound at the breakfast table) Where did our sister go? And, how did she escape your vile machinations?
(Klaus, whose back has been turned to him, is clearly nervous and suspicious, but laughs fakely to cover for it before he turns to face them)
Klaus: Heh! You think me vile? What, then, do you make of the one who cursed us?
Finn: (frustrated) She was trying to make you mortal again! (Elijah grabs a knife off the table, clearly suspicious and annoyed by Finn's words) And, you both refused her. (He laughs darkly) It only proves how far you've fallen. But, I expect Rebekah will have a different response to her proposal. (At the park, Rebekah turns and sees a starling watching her from the nearby playground) See, unlike the two of you, she always did cling to her humanity.
Elijah: (angry) Rebekah is off-limits to you. You pursue her, and you will suffer.
(Finn and Kol both look surprised by Elijah's outburst, as does Klaus)
Klaus: Do not let him goad you, Elijah. Neither he, nor Esther, will find Rebekah unless she wants to be found. (He turns to Finn) And she does not.
Finn: Esther is quite determined. (At the park, Rebekah looks incredibly unnerved by the starling. When she turns back again, an entire flock of starlings have perched themselves on the playground, all of them watching her. She looks horrified) She's been searching for Rebekah since the day she returned. I imagine it's only a matter of time.
(Elijah completely loses his temper, grabs Finn by the collar, and slams him onto the table before vamping-out and feeding on him)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ CREDITS ]
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Upon returning to the scene, Klaus has pulled Elijah away from Finn and shoves him against a nearby wall. Elijah puts his hands up defensively, so Klaus backs off and pulls Elijah's handkerchief out of his pocket so he can clean up)
Klaus: I enjoy a good blood-letting as much as anyone, but our brothers have power, as well as knowledge of Esther's plans. (Elijah wipes the blood off his face while he listens) We need them alive.
Elijah: (whispers) Imagine what they would do to Rebekah. To Hope.
Klaus: Rebekah has been cloaked by powerful magic. Focus on the task at hand. (He lowers his voice) We need to persuade our brothers.
Elijah: I'm through with persuasion.
(Elijah is about to leave, but Klaus grabs him by the shoulder and stops him)
Klaus: Has the earth shifted on its axis? You needing restraint from me?
(Elijah looks taken aback, but he's distracted when his phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket and answers it when he sees its Rebekah)
Rebekah: (frantic) It's me. I have the baby, and we're on the run. Esther found us. We're safe, for now... I've lost her bloody starlings, but I have no idea where to go.
Klaus: Tell her to head west. I'll call Hayley.
Rebekah: (yells) Do not tell Hayley! Esther's too smart for that. The only advantage that we have is that she thinks the baby died. Text me the plans.
(She gets into her car with the baby. Elijah hangs up with a sigh)
Elijah: Go. I'll take care of Kol and Finn.
Klaus: (annoyed) Splendid. And, in your hands, I assume they'll be dead by nightfall.
Elijah: I will show restraint. Hope needs her father.
Klaus: What she needs... what we need are allies to help us defeat our mother. Finn and Kol must be turned to our side. Without their help, there will be nowhere left for Hope to run.
Elijah: Niklaus, your child...
Klaus: (interrupts him) I have waited months to see my daughter. (He swallows, clearly unhappy with this plan) I can wait one more day.
(Elijah looks at him sympathetically before he gets ready to leave)
Klaus: Elijah. Do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Elijah: I give you my word.
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ THE BAYOU ]
(Hayley, Jackson, and Aiden are outside of Jackson's trailer, discussing their current problems)
Aiden: The wolves are freaking out. They know it had to be an insider who took down Vincent last night, seeing as no one could have been anywhere near him.
Jackson: Did anyone suspect it was you?
Aiden: (shakes his head) No, not yet. But, they're gonna figure it out, which pretty much means I'm screwed unless we come up with a plan.
Hayley: Call a meeting. The whole pack, tonight. If they're so scared, now's the perfect time to convince them they need to ditch Esther.
Aiden: (holds up the hand that wears his ring) She gave them moonlight rings.
Hayley: Well, those rings make you slaves.
Aiden: No! They make us powerful. We were exiles before, but now we run the city! The vampires are scared of us, and nobody, including me, is just gonna walk away from that because...
Jackson: (stands and approaches Aiden) Set the damn meeting.
(Jackson walks away. Hayley gives Aiden a look before she catches up with him near the dock of the pond, where he has just opened a can of beer)
Hayley: So, are you gonna work on a rousing speech, or just get day-drunk?
Jackson: Little bit of both.
Hayley: (snatches the beer from him) Jack, it's ten A.M.
(Jackson turns away from her and goes to lean against the boat house. Next to him is a small table covered in books, and he grabs a brown, leather-bound journal off of the top of a pile)
Jackson: You know, for months, I wrote down every single word Ansel said. The entire history of our people. If only I'd known he was Klaus' father, I would have asked him a hell of a lot more. You know, I was up all night looking through this, trying to find something, anything that will help me figure out how to get our people back together.
(He tosses the book back onto the table)
Hayley: Let me guess... no such luck?
Jackson: (sighs) Nothing viable. And now, Ansel's dead... along with Ollie. So, forgive me if I need a beer, 'cause right now, I can use all the help I can get.
(Jackson grabs his drink and walks away. Once he's out of sight, Hayley surreptitiously grabs the brown leather journal so she can read it)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MARCEL'S LOFT ]
(Marcel, Josh, and Davina are in Marcel's living room, where Davina is in the middle of catching them up)
Davina: I screwed up, you guys. I was with Kaleb last night, and he took the white oak stake when I was asleep. (Josh closes his eyes and sighs before giving Marcel a knowing look) I-I'm sorry, I never should have trusted him.
Marcel: Kol doesn't have the stake. Klaus does. (Davina looks confused and upset) Matter of fact, Klaus has Kol, too.
Davina: Wha...? How is that possible?
Marcel: D, I'm the one who took him. (Davina looks angry) I saw an opportunity, and I wasn't gonna pass it up. Trust me, we are all safer this way.
Davina: Not Kaleb! Klaus will kill him!
Marcel: His name isn't Kaleb, it's Kol. And, Klaus has had a thousand years to kill him, and he hasn't. So, worry less about him, and more about yourself. Alright? This guy is not your friend. He wants to use you to get his own way!
Davina: (angry) You don't know him like I do.
Marcel: I know him better than you do. (Marcel stands and walks toward Davina, while Josh leans back in his chair, clearly uncomfortable) Now, I'm sorry I had to go behind your back. And I hate lying to you, I really do, but believe me, this is for your own good. (He pauses) I gotta take care of some business, alright? Stick with Josh. Everything's gonna be okay.
(Marcel grabs his coat off of a nearby chair and leaves. Davina continues standing in front of where Josh is sitting, not at all happy about this development)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Kol and Finn are still in the dining room, wearing their enchanted manacles. They talk while Finn holds a towel to his neck where Elijah bit him)
Kol: Elijah is off his bloody rocker. We need to get out of here. (He looks at Finn, who is silent) Are you gonna help me, or what?
Finn: If you were a little more clever, you would recognize that there is opportunity in our current circumstances.
Kol: Opportunity to what? Get a beating?
(Suddenly, the doors open, and Klaus walks in to join them)
Klaus: Gentleman! I apologize for keeping you waiting. Good news is, I've returned with an old friend. Someone who wants to say hello.
(Kol and Finn watch as Marcel follows Klaus into the room, looking pleased)
Marcel: (smiles widely) Hello! (Finn rolls his eyes and sighs) How's it going, fellas?
Kol: Ah, you again. You ever get bored of getting bullied by my brother?
Marcel: (chuckles and takes off his jacket) Oh, I volunteered for this.
Kol: Did ya?
Marcel: The way I see it, you have it coming. (He shoves Kol roughly in the chest) First, you messed with Davina. (He continues pushing Kol backward) Now, I hear you wanna drag Rebekah into all this. Uh-uh. Not happening.
Klaus: Well, I'd prefer you both to join me against our mother. But, I'll happily settle for one or the other. Either way, if you continue to defy me, your lives will be reduced to an unending sequence of agonizing torture! (Klaus smiles at them. Kol looks torn and turns to Finn, who maintains his poker face) So, which is it to be?
(After the break, Marcel drags Kol by the chains into a room upstairs before he throws him into an armchair)
Marcel: I gotta say, I'm gonna enjoy this! Out of the whole, twisted family... (Kol tries to stand up, but Marcel shoves him back down) Sit down... You were the one I liked the least.
Kol: (pants anxiously) Yeah, well, there's a pretty young lady who disagrees with that opinion.
Marcel: Then let me make myself perfectly clear. You go near Davina, I'm gonna cut off parts of you that you'd rather keep.
Kol: (bored) Ah, more threats. How bloody inventive. Thing is, Klaus needs me. So, that backs you into a bit of a corner, doesn't it?
Marcel: Oh, until we get rid of your mom. I wonder what happens then?
Kol: Well, Klaus might not need me if my mother's gone, but you might! (Marcel looks confused as Kol leans closer to him) Come on, Marcel. You were king of the city once. Do you really think he's just gonna give it back to you?
Marcel: (laughs) You always got an angle, don't you?
Kol: You see, individually, we can't do anything. But, together? Wow. Klaus wouldn't stand a chance.
Marcel: (sighs) Probably not. (He picks up a knife off of a nearby table) But then, I'd have to trust you, and I don't. At least with Klaus, I know exactly what I'm getting.
Kol: (shrugs) Well, I thought you had more fortitude, Marcellus. You disappoint me.
Marcel: (leans in so he can look Kol in the eye) Nobody cares for your opinion. Klaus just wants to know what you're up to. Tell me everything, and maybe you get to live. (Kol seems uninterested) If not?
(Marcel stabs Kol in the hand with his knife, pinning it to the arm of the chair, as Kol screams in pain)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MARCEL'S LOFT ]
(Josh and Davina are talking in Marcel's living room)
Josh: For the record, yes, I knew what Marcel was up to, and you can hate me if you want to, but...
Davina: I don't hate you, Josh. I'm just sick of worrying about you. And Marcel. Most of all, I am tired of Klaus always being in the middle of it. (She throws a dart at the dartboard on the wall) You know, every time I try to stand up to him...
Josh: (interrupts) It... hasn't worked out so well. (Davina shrugs in annoyance) Yeah, failure, a party of two?
Davina: (smiles) You seem to be doing all right.
Josh: Uh, yeah. Except that every werewolf in town is trying to kill me. Well, except for the super-hot one that I'm sort of dating. But, that's got its own problems, though. (Davina smirks, clearly interested in hearing more) It's kind of a... Romeo and Romeo thing.
Davina: (pleased) And how hot is this Romeo?
Josh: Well...
(Josh rolls his eyes jokingly and pulls out his phone so he can show Davina a photo of Aiden)
Davina: Pretty hot! Definitely worth the drama!
Josh: Yeah...
(Davina suddenly gets an idea)
Davina: Invite him over! (Josh looks at her in confusion) Yeah, I wanna meet him! (Josh still looks unsure) Come on, do it!
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Klaus wanders into the ballroom, where Finn has once again been suspended by his wrists. Klaus has a roll of torture implements in his hands)
Klaus: Do you think our mother is even the least bit concerned for your wellbeing?
(Klaus pulls out a large knife and tests out how sharp it is)
Finn: (weak) She knows I don't need rescuing.
Klaus: (holds up his knife to Finn for his input) Hmm? (Finn remains silent, so Klaus shrugs and puts the knife down in favor of a different one) Eh.
Finn: You can toy with me all you want, Niklaus, but you've had innumerable opportunities to kill me.
Klaus: (points a sharp tool at him) But, I didn't, did I? (Finn smiles weakly, and Klaus puts down the tool) Finn, I understand your devotion to her. She must have clung to you with desperate need after our sister Freya died, making you believe it was your responsibility to care for her. Always and forever, mmm? A burden which you accepted without question, because you were a good son. Small children lack the capacity to question their parents, but you're a man, now, Finn.
Finn: Is that the extent of your argument? I'm a man, now, so I should join your wretched cause?
Klaus: Is it not better to join me, then spend the remainder of your mortal life aligned to a woman who always manipulated you? Brother, I offer you the opportunity to free yourself! Side with me, and I will give you the life she never once offered, a chance to choose your own path! (Finn remains silent) The choice is yours, brother!
(Klaus exits the room, leaving Finn to consider Klaus' offer)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ THE BAYOU ]
(Jackson is chopping firewood near his trailer when Hayley finds him)
Hayley: You wanna stop playing mountain-man and explain why you kept this from me? (She holds up the brown leather journal, and Jackson sighs before dropping his axe) Why don't I jog your memory? (She starts to read from the journal) "The werewolves' power can be traced back to the myth of the Unification Ceremony, a ritual that bestowed certain unique abilities onto every member of the pack." (Jackson looks guilty, but remains silent) Do you believe this?
Jackson: I didn't at first. And then Ansel swore he saw it with his own eyes. And then he dies, and I found out he was resurrected from a thousand years ago, which means he was alive to see it!
Hayley: How did I not know about this?
Jackson: You didn't grow up out here. Yeah, every kid grows up hearing the stories. Back in the day, werewolf bloodlines were all distinct, right? Some had speed, some had strength, some could sense enemies from miles away. Now, to evolve, we would perform a ritual. A shaman would marry the alphas of each bloodline, and then the special abilities of each would be... inherited, mystically, by everyone who participated in the ritual. See, after a few centuries, everybody had the same abilities, so alpha marriages became political. They became about... power, about territory.
Hayley: (considers this information for a moment) But I have a unique ability. Because I'm a hybrid, I can control when I change! So, if this mystical marriage thing works, then our people get my power, and they can ditch the rings! (Jackson looks torn) Which means Esther no longer has a hold over them! (Jackson nods silently) Jack, this is exactly the answer that we've been looking for! Let's find a shaman, we'll say some vows. Hell, we'll make it a party!
Jackson: (unhappy) It ain't just a party. If the vows ain't honored, it doesn't work. (Hayley's face falls when she realizes the implications of this ritual) It's gotta be a real marriage, in every way, for the rest of our lives. Are you up for that? (Hayley looks at though she wants to say something, but can't find the words. Jackson looks hurt) Didn't think so.
(He returns to chopping firewood, leaving Hayley alone to think)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ CAMI'S APARTMENT / KIERAN'S SECRET APARTMENT ]
(Cami is sleeping in her bed when her phone rings. She looks groggy and groans, rubbing her head as she reaches over to answer it)
Cami: Hayley, hey. What's up?
Hayley: I need a favor.
(The scene cuts over to the secret room in Kieran's old apartment, where Cami and Hayley are looking through Kieran's files. Cami groans again and rubs her forehead as she leans over the desk. Hayley looks at her in concern)
Hayley: You sure you're okay?
Cami: (sighs) Yeah, I must just be coming down with something.
Hayley: I'm sorry to drag you out of bed for this.
Cami: (smiles) Please. You just discovered an ancient marriage ritual with pretty drastic supernatural and personal implications. The least I can do is get out of bed. (Hayley smiles back at her) So, this is everything I found in my uncle's files about werewolf ceremonies and rituals. Mostly, it sounds like old folklore and fables. (Hayley nods silently. Cami looks at her sympathetically) But I'm guessing you're not here looking for some kind of proof.
Hayley: (shakes her head) I don't know what I'm looking for.
Cami: Not to pry, but... does Jackson have any answers?
Hayley: He doesn't even want to talk about it. He doesn't even want to put me in this position. He's a good, decent guy, if those even exist anymore.
Cami: (smiles) And, I'm assuming he knows about Elijah?
Hayley: (shakes her head again) Elijah and I have barely spoken since I became a hybrid. But, still, he is...
Cami: Under your skin? (Hayley looks at her knowingly. Cami clears her throat) Well, there is no right answer to this. (She starts to pull her hair back into a ponytail) You just have to figure out what's best for you, and think long and hard about your decision, because you're the one who's going to have to live with it.
Hayley: (sighs) No pressure.
(Cami turns to start putting the files away, and Hayley notices a vertical line of what looks like small pin-pricks that runs down the length of Cami's spine, which is visible through a small slit in the back of her shirt. Hayley looks worried)
Hayley: Hey, what's that on your back?
(Cami, concerned, walks over to a nearby mirror and turns so that she can see for herself. She looks at Hayley in horror)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MARCEL'S LOFT ]
("Panama" by Destroyer plays in the apartment as Josh leads Aiden inside to meet Davina)
Aiden: Nice music! Girl's got taste! (Davina smiles at him and walks toward him)
Josh: Oh, please! That was my call. She wanted Puccini.
(Aiden groans jokingly and makes a face, which makes Davina laugh. She holds out her hand to shake his and introduces herself)
Davina: You must be Aiden! Super-cool, super-handsome...
Aiden: (interrupts her) Werewolf traitor? (Davina's face falls, not sure how to respond. Josh clears his throat) I'm sorry, that was a dumb joke.
Davina: (laughs) Hey, I was gonna go order some food. Do you like Thai?
Aiden: (looks at Josh, who smiles) Uh, sure!
Davina: Great!
(She goes upstairs to order the food, leaving Aiden and Josh alone in the living room, both smiling)
Aiden: That wasn't planned at all, was it?
Josh: Nooope! (He pauses and watches Aiden examine Marcel's record player) Hey, you okay? The werewolf-traitor-thing... is there more trouble with your pack people?
Aiden: Guess we'll find out soon enough. I actually called a meeting, tonight, for Hayley and Jackson. So, one way or another, it's all coming to a head.
Josh: (nods and walks closer to him) You know, those people look up to you. I mean, trust me, I've seen you in action. You're a badass. (Aiden chuckles) So, just go in there and tell 'em what's what.
Aiden: I'm not the alpha.
Josh: No, but Jackson is. And, the pack respects both of you. So, if you stand with him, they will listen. One thing I learned from Marcel?
Aiden: Hmm?
Josh: Loyalty sends a powerful message.
Aiden: (smiles) Hmm.
Josh: And hey, look, if you, uh, get nervous, or, like, need a vote of confidence or whatever? Just remember that, uh, I think you're pretty amazing.
(Josh reaches out and straightens the collar of Aiden's shirt as the two smile at each other. After a moment, they start to move in closer to each other, until finally, Aiden reaches up and cups Josh's face in his hand as they kiss for the first time. They continue to kiss gently for a long moment, until they finally pull away, overwhelmingly happy to be with each other)
Josh: I'm a little surprised we don't hear clapping right now!
Aiden: (laughs) Yeah!
Josh: (calls out) Hey, Davina! You can come down, now! (Josh and Aiden turn toward the staircase, but get no response) Davina!
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ LAFAYETTE CEMETERY ]
(Davina has sneaked away to the Claire crypt, where she pulls out Esther's grimoire and flips through it before she starts to gather supplies for a spell. She finds several vials of different colored fluids, a large metal bowl, and some dried herbs, and sets them on the table. She crushes the herbs in her fingers and sprinkles them in the bowl with a white, milky-looking fluid. She then holds out her hands above the bowl to start her spell)
Davina: (repeats) A verte insiguinae, a tor a ver.
(As she chants the spell, the bowl starts to spin itself rapidly until the contents have been thoroughly mixed into a black, sludgey potion. She lifts the bowl and hesitates for a moment before she starts to drink the concoction)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Kol is still in the armchair upstairs, where his hand is still pinned to the arm with a scalpel. He winces as Marcel continues his interrogation)
Marcel: Now, we can keep doing this as long as you want. (He yanks the scalpel out of his hand, which causes him to yelp in pain) Or... (He bites into his wrist and forces him to drink his blood) ..I can kill you now, and turn you into a brand-new baby vampire.
(Kol's hand starts to heal as Marcel holds the scalpel to his throat threateningly)
Kol: Go on, do it. My mother's got plans for me, whether I like it or not. If I die, she'll just pop me into another body. Not that my family will care that much if the death was permanent.
(Marcel stares at him for a moment before letting Kol go and removing the knife. He circles around the chair so he can face him)
Marcel: What are you really up to? Hmm? What's it got to do with Davina?
Kol: Heh, you think I'm gonna break her little heart? That's downright paternal of you, Marcel.
(Marcel loses his temper and thrusts the knife in the air, ready to stab Kol with it, when Klaus rushes into the room and intervenes)
Klaus: Easy, Marcel! Easy. Let's give Kol a little longer to decide before we lop off his head, hmm?
Marcel: Comments like that? He already thinks that you don't care.
Klaus: (intrigued) Is that so, brother?
Kol: You only daggered me a dozen times. You always cared more for Marcel than you did for me.
Klaus: Well, I didn't realize I had hurt your feelings.
Kol: Yeah, well, that's the thing, innit, Nik? You don't know squat about me.
Klaus: Thanks to Marcel, I know all I need to. (Kol rolls his eyes in frustration) You're desperate to be part of this family, aren't you? (Kol looks down at the floor and remains silent) All of your mischief was just attempts for attention. You know, the truth is, Kol, you're right to feel slighted. I mean that. You're right. But, perhaps there's still time to make it up to you.
(Kol looks up at Klaus in surprise, and the two stare at each other)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ THE FRENCH QUARTER / OUT-OF-TOWN DINER ]
(Hayley is standing on a street corner near the compound and holds her phone in her hand, unsure of what to do. After a moment, she dials Elijah's number)
(Elijah is sitting alone in a booth and pulls his phone out of his jacket pocket when he hears it ring. When he sees that it's Hayley, he smiles to himself. He then notices a man sitting at the bar, staring at him as his phone continues to ring. Unnerved, Elijah ultimately ignores the call)
(Hayley sighs and rolls her eyes when the call goes to voicemail, and she hangs up without leaving a message, looking disappointed)
(A waitress comes by to refill Elijah's coffee. He's still suspicious of the man at the bar, and decides to get answers)
Elijah: (compels her) Tell me, has there been anyone out of the ordinary today?
Waitress: Just you.
(Elijah smiles and nudges his mug toward her to top off his coffee. When she goes to pour it, she accidentally spills some on his his wrist and the sleeve of his shirt and jacket)
Waitress: (feels guilty) Oh, I am so sorry, let me...
Elijah: (unbothered) It's quite all right. Thank you.
(The waitress gets the hint and leaves. Elijah dabs at the stain on his sleeve with a napkin, which sends him into flashbacks of his time being tortured by Esther. He remembers his dream of being covered in blood and chasing Hayley down a hallway that ends in a red door, as well as a memory from just after he killed Tatia after he had just turned, where he knelt outside of his family's home, wiping his face with a towel)
Esther: ('voiceover/flashback) I told you to clean yourself up. If you were clean, no one would know what you are or what you've done.
(In the present, Elijah, still scrubbing at the coffee stain, looks over at the waitress, who is whispering to the suspicious man at the bar. Both of them stare at Elijah, which makes him even more paranoid. He gets more flashbacks to the red door, and the door of his family's home in the late 10th/early 11th century, and becomes even more agitated)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Finn is still suspended by his wrists with his manacles in the ballroom, where Klaus once again returns to continue to try to turn him to his side)
Klaus: (holds up the key to his manacles) So, brother, ready to embrace your new life of freedom?
Finn: I'm already free, brother.
Klaus: (pockets the key) You're aware our mother cares nothing for you?
Finn: Niklaus, I assure you, my mother loves me. She loves all of her children. You would not exist without her sacrifice.
(Klaus smirks, not believing him, and heads for the door, but he stops when Finn calls out to him)
Finn: Do you even know the truth? That she was barren? And she grew so desperate for a family that she begged one of the most powerful witches in history for help. Her sister, Dahlia. Of course, Dahlia's price was high. She agreed to make our mother fertile, but in exchange, she sought the first-born as sacrifice. Having no other choice, our mother gave away our beloved Freya.
Klaus: (still in disbelief) Our sister died of plague.
Finn: Esther gave her away. Think about that. The pain, the grief.
Klaus: (approaches Finn face-to-face) If what you say is true, then death is far too delicate a fate for her.
Finn: She loves us more than you realize.
Klaus: (angry) And is love the reason she wanted my child dead?
Finn: She was trying to protect you from Dahlia's curse!
Klaus: (shouts) 'WHAT CURSE?
Finn: Dahlia demanded the first-born of every generation. Had your child lived, she would have paid the price! And, if anyone had tried to protect her, Dahlia would come and destroy us all.
(Klaus glares at Finn, who looks almost scared)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ DINER ]
(It's nearly dark, now, and Elijah is still sitting at his booth as the waitress from earlier slowly walks past him. After a moment, Rebekah walks into the restaurant, with Hope in her baby carrier. Elijah immediately stands when he sees her, and she smiles at him. When she makes it to the booth, she sets Hope's carrier on the table, and Elijah smiles widely as he gazes at her. He and his sister share a hug, before he focuses all his attention on his niece. Rebekah sits down while Elijah picks up Hope and holds her)
Elijah: (to Hope) Look at you. So big. So perfect.
Rebekah: (smiles) Mmm.
Elijah: I can't imagine the joy of spending every day with her. It's...
Rebekah: ...Quite lovely. It feels so human.
Elijah: Yes... some would argue the most human of experiences.
Rebekah: (sighs) I know I have to give her back to Hayley when the time is right. But, she's made me realize how much I want that child of my own, that I know I can't have.
Elijah: (rocks Hope) It's a lovely dream. Unfortunately, it's one that's just beyond our reach, considering the curse of our existence.
Rebekah: Seems Esther's attacking with her usual fervor.
Elijah: Yes, Mother tortured me for days with memories I thought I'd buried long ago. (He licks his lips nervously) Then, she made an offer... to make us all mortal again. (Rebekah looks stunned) You see, sister, Mother believes that by placing us in new bodies, we can then reclaim some kind of... purity. We can begin families of our own again. And, I have to confess, Rebekah... this invitation, however cruel in delivery, had a certain... appeal.
(Rebekah looks at him sympathetically, and stretches her arms across the table so she can take Elijah's free hand in her own. He continues to gaze at Hope, not noticing when Rebekah spots a smear of blood on the sleeve of his shirt and becomes concerned. He notices her concern and misreads it)
Elijah: You needn't worry. We're safe.
(Rebekah licks her lips and puts on a fake smile before standing on her feet and grabbing Hope's blanket)
Rebekah: Looks like this little one needs her diaper changed!
(Elijah stands so he can hand Hope back to her)
Rebekah: (to Hope) Here, my love.
(She heads toward the bathroom across the restaurant. Rebekah's eyes widen in horror as she notices a smear of blood on the counter while she passes it. There's another bloody smear on the door to the kitchen. The waitress from earlier washes her hands at a nearby sink and has presumably been compelled to ignore the blood, because she seems unbothered by it, nor does she seem to mind that Rebekah is about to enter the kitchen. Rebekah gently kicks open the kitchen door and gasps when she enters sees a dozen bloodied bodies strewn around the room. She turns and shields Hope's face with her blanket to keep her from seeing any of the carnage. Elijah continues to stand near their table with his back to him, oblivious)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Klaus is in the middle of leaving Elijah a voicemail in the courtyard)
Klaus: I'm done leaving messages, Elijah. To say that this is urgent would be a gross understatement. We need to speak immediately.
(When he hangs up his phone, he senses Davina approaching him and sighs before turning toward her)
Klaus: I was wondering whether you would show up. I'm afraid I'm not done torturing your darling Kol. You best run along while you still can.
Davina: I'm not going anywhere, Klaus.
(Marcel hears Klaus and Davina talking and rushes downstairs to intervene)
Marcel: Whoa, D, today is not the day.
Davina: Actually, I think it is.
(She holds out her hand and twists her wrist, which snaps Marcel's neck and causes him to fall down the stairs. Klaus looks at her, unsure of what to do)
Davina: Looks like it's just you and me now.
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ ST. ANNE'S CHURCH ]
(Jackson is at the sacristy, where he is giving his speech to the Crescents)
Jackson: I know you're angry and scared, but we are a pack. No matter what.
(One of the werewolves leans stands up to address him)
Werewolf 1: You've been checked out for months. Why should we listen to you?
Aiden: (stands up) 'Cause he's the alpha! You got a problem with that?
(Suddenly, Hayley appears at the door at the back of the room)
Hayley: I want to hear what Jackson has to say.
(Jackson looks shocked to see her. Hayley walks to the front of the room to join him)
Werewolf 1: This is a pack meeting. You're not one of us anymore.
Hayley: (faces him and holds out her arms) No?
(Suddenly, Hayley's nails start to grow out like claws. Her hands start to transform into wolf paws, and her eyes glow gold. After a moment, she shifts back, and her arms and face go back to her human form)
Hayley: I am still a wolf. And, I didn't need any magical rings to control when or how I change. You want the same? Then, sit down, shut up, and listen.
(She smiles at them and looks back at Jackson, who looks at her in awe)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Klaus and Davina are still facing off in the courtyard)
Klaus: You forget yourself. You're not as powerful as you once were, Harvest girl.
Davina: (smirks) Doesn't mean I can't still kick your ass!
(She thrusts her hand in front of her and telekinetically throws him across the room. His body flies through the closed double doors and breaks them, shattering them into broken pieces of wood and glass. She stops and confidently walks toward him, but when she gets to where he landed, he has disappeared. Suddenly, he vamp-speeds toward her and throws her down the hall. She screams as she flies toward a wall, hitting her head so hard her forehead starts to bleed as she rolls over and gets to her feet)
Klaus: Such hubris! And from one who bleeds so easily.
Davina: (panting) You talk such a big game, but you couldn't even kill Mikael when you had the chance! (She laughs darkly) He was right about you, you know? You're weak.
(Klaus loses his temper and vamp-speeds toward her. He grabs her by the hair and pulls her head back so he can bite her neck. She screams in pain, but after he drinks a couple gulps of her blood, he starts to choke and gasp until he eventually falls unconscious. Once he is incapacitated, Davina smirks in triumph)
(After the break, Davina is still looking at Klaus' unconscious body when Kol sneaks up behind her, somehow freed from his manacles)
Kol: (rubs his sore wrists) It's impressive. What exactly did you do to him?
Davina: I channeled dark objects through my blood to poison him. (She notices he's no longer shackled) How did you get free?
Kol: Oh, it's a long story. Better question is, if he's not dead, then what are you gonna do when he recovers?
Davina: We have an hour, maybe less. Enough time to chain him, bleed him, durmp him in the river.
Kol: That's a bit harsh, isn't it?
Davina: Since when do you care what happens to Klaus?
(Marcel suddenly awakens from his snapped neck with a loud gasp. He pulls himself to his feet)
Marcel: (rubs his neck) Kol is with us now. We're going to be going up against Esther, assuming Klaus is upright.
(Davina looks at Kol, confused and slightly betrayed)
Kol: Look, Nik is a pain in the ass, but, well... she's a problem for us all.
Davina: (angry) Klaus is the problem! I don't give a damn what happens to Esther.
(Cami arrives and joins the conversation)
Cami: Yeah, well, I sure do. (She notices Klaus' unconscious body and looks horrified) Should I even ask?
(Marcel shrugs and rolls his eyes toward Davina)
Davina: Cami, you should go. It's not safe.
Cami: No kidding! I woke up with puncture wounds all up and down my spine and no idea how they got there. According to my uncle's files, they're part of this ancient spell, and I don't know about you guys, but when I see ancient and spell in the same sentence, I think Esther.
(Davina looks at Cami in concern)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ ST. ANNE'S CHURCH ]
(Jackson and Hayley are still arguing their case to the rest of the Crescents, including Aiden)
Hayley: You all need help, and you know it. Now, whatever it is that you think of me, I was born a Crescent. I'm the last of the Labonair line, which makes me an alpha. (She looks over at Jackson) Jackson is your alpha. Now, I don't know how many of you bought the story you grew up with, the Unification myth. Well, it is all true. (The crowd starts to whisper among themselves. Jackson looks over at Hayley, confused) Which means... if Jackson and I get married, anyone with the guts to turn up to the ceremony has as much control over their wolf form as I do. (The Crescents start to whisper louder)
Jackson: (whispers) Hayley, what are you doing?
Hayley: What needs to be done. (They look at each other for a long moment before Hayley turns to address the crowd) This isn't just about uniting our pack. It's about forming a new community.
Jackson: (walks toward Hayley and puts an arm around her) This ceremony will change everything for us. It will give us the strength we need to defend ourselves. (In the audience, Aiden looks at his moonlight ring nervously) Then, and only then, can we finally have peace.
(Hayley walks down the steps to face the Crescents)
Hayley: The choice is yours. Keep the rings and be somebody's bitch, or be part of the greatest pack that ever lived.
(The Crescents begin to chatter amongst themselves as Aiden rises to his feet to join Hayley and Jackson at the front of the room)
Aiden: (smiles) I'm in!
(Jackson grins, happy at this news, and nods at him in confirmation. Aiden takes off his moonlight ring and drops it onto the floor. Hayley smiles at Jackson)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Cami is sitting on a couch, chugging a glass of water, while Davina and Kol examine the puncture wounds on her back. Marcel sits near her)
Kol: That's Mom's work, all right. She must have wiped your memory.
Cami: Not the first time that's been done by a member of this family. What does it mean?
Kol: It's a byproduct of a... preparation spell.
Davina: Preparation for what?
Kol: To make her a vessel.
(Davina and Marcel both look horrified, and Cami looks confused and scared)
Marcel: He means Esther prepared your body for someone to jump into.
Kol: Likely herself. I mean, knowing Mother.
(Marcel looks at him suspiciously. Cami becomes overwhelmed)
Cami: Where's Vincent?
(Cami goes to the ballroom, where Finn is still hanging from his wrists by his manacles. She storms toward him and immediately smacks him across the face)
Cami: Why me? Out of everyone in this city?
Finn: (weak) Because you're perfect. Healthy, beautiful, smart... and alone. No one would question any personality changes, and, as I discovered from my sessions, Niklaus would never allow you to be harmed.
Cami: (furious) Fix this. Do something to stop it.
Finn: (guilty) I can't. Only my mother can.
Cami: I will step in front of a moving truck before I let your mother take over my body.
Finn: (confused) She wasn't preparing you for herself, Cami. She was preparing you for Rebekah.
(Cami's eyes widen in shock. She looks over toward Marcel, who is standing in the doorway)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ DINER ]
(Rebekah finally comes out of the bathroom after changing Hope's diaper and returns to the table with Elijah. Hope begins to whine restlessly, alerting Elijah to their return. He stands to help her put Hope back into her carrier)
Rebekah: Well, she is all sorted, and ready for an adventure! Aren't you, my love?
(Elijah smiles and watches as Rebekah settles Hope into her seat)
Elijah: It's difficult to believe we were this innocent once. (He sighs deeply) We mustn't let the world ever hurt her.
(Rebekah comes up behind Elijah and watches him suspiciously as she rubs his arm)
Rebekah: You're right. We mustn't.
(She quickly grabs Elijah by the chin and snaps his neck, allowing him to fall to the floor, unconscious. She sighs and looks overwhelmed)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Cami, Kol, Davina and Marcel are discussing their options in the courtyard)
Cami: How long do I have?
Kol: Well, now that Esther knows where Rebekah hiding... not long. The only way to stop it is to stop her.
Cami: (takes a deep breath) Then, let's do this. Marcel's a vampire, you both are powerful witches.
Marcel: (paces) Esther's stronger than anything I've ever seen. We go up against her... (He looks at Davina) ...We're going to need Klaus.
Davina: (stands) No. No, we can do this without him!
Kol: Uh, I'm never gonna say this again, but Marcel's right: we do need the b*st*rd.
(Davina sighs, clearly unhappy, so Cami approaches her and grabs her hands in her own)
Cami: Davina, I know this is asking a lot, but please.
(Davina, understanding Cami's dilemma, walks over to Klaus' body and kneels by his head. She places her fingertips on his temple and murmurs an unintelligible spell under her breath. Klaus suddenly gasps as he awakens, and rolls onto his side before he begins to pull himself onto his feet)
Klaus: (to the others) What did she do to me?
Davina: All you need to know is that I beat you. Again.
Klaus: And yet, you relented. You need me, don't you? (Davina rolls her eyes and sighs as he smiles) Did I really lose?
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ ST. ANNE'S CHURCH ]
(The Crescents took off after the meeting, leaving Hayley and Jackson to discuss everything at the altar)
Hayley: I'm sorry I sprung that on you.
Jackson: You know, I always thought it would be me popping the question instead of being the one put on the spot. (He smiles at her good-naturedly, and she chuckles) Are you sure you want to do this?
Hayley: (hesitates) Are you?
(The two of them remain silent for a long moment as they stare at each other. Jackson gulps nervously)
Jackson: I know you're only doing this to help our people. But, I promise I will be a good husband to you.
(Hayley smiles at him, and Jackson rises to his feet, moving in front of her so they are on the same level. He takes her left hand in his and rubs it with his thumb)
Jackson: Hayley Marshall, will you marry me?
Hayley: (smiles widely and laughs) No ring?
(The both start to laugh together as they continue to hold hands)
[SCENE_BREAK]
[ MIKAELSON COMPOUND ]
(Kol has grabbed a plate and finally is able to eat all of the breakfast food from earlier. He starts to eat a croissant while he talks to Davina)
Kol: Quite nice of you, coming to my rescue like that!
Davina: You know, it's a good thing you didn't steal the stake from me. Or I would have been the one torturing you.
Kol: Does that mean you trust me, then?
(Davina just smiles and gives him a look, which makes Kol chuckle. After a moment, Klaus joins them)
Klaus: Provided you're not busy concocting a new paralytic to use against me, I'd like a word with my brother.
Davina: Well, to be honest, I can't stand being around you anyway.
(Davina leaves, and Klaus can't help but laugh)
Kol: For the record, I didn't know a bloody thing about Mother's plan for Cami, I swear.
Klaus: Well, I think I can judge for myself which of her schemes she would entrust to you, and which she would not. (He sits across from Kol in an armchair) I believe this was Finn's task.
Kol: (leans back against the couch) Where, pray tell, is he now?
Klaus: He's waiting uncomfortably for me to return and deliver his punishment. Pass the beignets, will you?
Kol: You know, it's only a matter of time before Mother gets bored of waiting for you to let us go. (He hands Klaus the plate of pastries)
Klaus: (whispers) Thank you.
Kol: Well, Finn, at least. I don't expect she'd care if I never came home.
Klaus: (sighs) A mother cares for her children. A monster does not. Once you accept she's the latter, you'll stop expecting the former. And, despite what you might think, Kol, I did mourn you after your death. And, I did attempt to avenge you. I would do nothing less, because we are brothers. Always and forever.
(Kol looks overwhelmed, and simply nods in understanding. Suddenly, Klaus' phone rings)
Klaus: (smiles) Excuse me.
(He steps away from the room to take the call. It's Rebekah, calling from the diner on Elijah's phone)
Klaus: Where have you been?
Rebekah: Nik, it's me. Something's wrong. Elijah slaughtered a dozen people, whose only sin was their terrible taste in food. I mean, when have you known him to kill when he could otherwise compel? It's the kind of act that will draw our mother's attention.
Klaus: (sighs, horrified) Her torture must have affected him more deeply than I'd realized. Where is he now?
Rebekah: I broke his neck to keep her safe, but I have no clue what to do next.
(Klaus walks purposefully down the stairs)
Klaus: Do you recall where we dined the Christmas after we fled Mikael?
Rebekah: (confused) Of course...
Klaus: (interrupts her) Go there. Now.
(He hangs up the phone and heads toward the ballroom where Finn is still bound)
Klaus: If you enjoyed last night's activities, then you're in for a treat!
Finn: Niklaus, listen to me, our mother may...
Klaus: (interrupts) Not another word! No more fairytales about witches and curses.
Finn: (confused) If you think it's a fairytale, then why do I see fear in your eyes?
Klaus: (unamused) MARCEL! Bring it in.
(Marcel comes into the room, dragging Finn's old coffin behind him. Finn desperately pleads with Klaus as he yanks down his chains and drags him toward it)
Finn: No! No! No, Niklaus!
Klaus: Oh, don't worry, brother! I made some air holes! Small ones.
(Klaus lifts Finn by the front of his shirt and throws him into the coffin. Finn begins to scream in fear as they close the lid on him. He begins to pound on the inside of the door as Marcel and Klaus head for the door. Before he leaves, Marcel puts a padlock on the lid to keep it closed)
(Klaus is just about to leave the compound when he runs into Hayley, who was on her way inside)
Hayley: Klaus, have you seen Elijah? There's something I need to tell you both.
Klaus: You can tell me on the way.
Hayley: (confused) What? Where are we going?
Klaus: (turns toward her) To see our daughter.
(They stare at each other for a moment, stunned, until Hayley finally rushes toward him, ready to leave)
[ END ]
Plan: A: Rebekah; Q: Who is meeting with Elijah? A: months; Q: How long was Rebekah away from the family? A: a normal life; Q: What was Rebekah living with baby Hope? A: the run; Q: What is Rebekah on? A: powerful allies; Q: What does Klaus think Vincent/Finn and Kaleb/Kol would be? A: his brothers; Q: Who does Klaus want to turn against their mother? A: Hayley; Q: Who is conflicted about the ritual? A: an ancient ritual; Q: What do Hayley and Jackson stumble upon? A: a tremendous sacrifice; Q: What would the ritual require of Hayley? A: Davina; Q: Who takes matters into her own hands by turning to dark magic so she can poison Klaus? A: Cami; Q: Who finds out that Esther prepared her body for Rebekah to jump into? A: their daughter; Q: Who are Klaus and Hayley going to see? Summary: Rebekah, who was spent months away living a normal life with baby Hope, finds herself on the run when she realizes that Esther found them. Convinced that Vincent/Finn and Kaleb/Kol would be powerful allies in his fight to take down Esther, Klaus sets a plan in motion to turn his brothers against their mother. Meanwhile, Hayley is conflicted when she and Jackson stumble upon an ancient ritual that would get their werewolf packs out from under Esther's control, but would require her to make a tremendous sacrifice. The ritual is about Hayley and Jackson getting married so that their packs can have Hayley's hybrid powers. Elsewhere, Rebekah is meeting with Elijah and is concerned when she notices something is off with him. Finally, Davina takes matters into her own hands by turning to dark magic so she can poison Klaus, and Cami finds out that Esther prepared her body for Rebekah to jump into it. Lastly, we see Klaus talking with Rebekah about Elijah and then he and Hayley are going to see their daughter.