Chapter Text
EPISODE #101
"MUCH REMAINS TO BE SEEN"
SYNOPSIS: (mid-)The Only Way Out Is Through.
(A.N.) For the most part, everything that has happened before this episode has happened. If anything specific has changed, it will be mentioned in the synopsis notes.
-- EXT. SALVATORE SCHOOL FRONT YARD - NIGHT
Lizzie and Aurora are together, walking toward the school, arguing quietly.
LIZZIE
Let's just talk about this.
AURORA
We know where the key is!
LIZZIE
But what we don't know is if we should even be doing this. You heard what Jen said about her father. We can't just wake that guy up. He murders for fun!
Aurora steps in front of Lizzie. They stop walking.
AURORA
Okay! We made an agreement, you and I.
LIZZIE
An agreement to raise a God... We're just changing which God we raise.
Aurora is visibly annoyed. She listens anyway.
LIZZIE (CONT'D)
Jen said the God of Time is decent. So we wake him up instead. Then we can go back and fix what went wrong without rolling the dice on Dad waking up cranky.
Lizzie speaks gently, and Aurora thinks about it.
LIZZIE (CONT'D)
We're tying to be better people, remember? No more revenge, no more bloodshed. We just want our...
Lizzie trails off at the sound of the school's front doors opening in the distance. Alaric walks outside.
LIZZIE (CONT'D)
...family back.
Alaric is using his cane to steady himself. He looks off ahead of him, seemingly distressed. Lizzie stares at him in shock, but lovingly. The doors open again behind him, and Vardemus walks out to join him.
VARDEMUS
I'm sorry about Elizabeth.
ALARIC
How did she seem, when you saw her?
VARDEMUS
Lost. I think recent events have left her a little adrift.
Alaric looks away, painfully in thought.
ALARIC
All the people she counted on the most to help her suddenly weren't there for her. Including me... Maybe this never should have been our fight to begin with. They're still kids, dealing with more than any kids were meant to.
VARDEMUS
True. That's to be expected. Every generation makes a mess of it and has to pray the next generation can break the pattern, save the world.
His tone becomes more stern and convincing.
VARDEMUS (CONT'D)
These students are extraordinary. If anyone can find their way, they can. Including Lizzie.
They are interrupted by a determined Hope. Alaric sighs, tired. Lizzie continues to look on, a new wave of emotion hitting her.
HOPE
I know what we should do. I want to try again. But this time, run it with my humanity on.
Vardemus has a neutral visible reaction. Alaric is confused, but hopeful. Lizzie is shell-shocked.
-- EXT. LIMBO, MYSTIC FALLS TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT
The Square is empty other than Landon and The Necromancer, who are sitting on a bench. Landon is staring at the clock, thinking about the night he and Hope danced. The Necromancer is throwing small rocks at a tree.
LANDON
Can you...
The Necromancer ignores him, throwing a bigger one.
LANDON (CONT'D)
...stop?
NECROMANCER
What the bloody else am I supposed to do? You won't let me go after the bandit. You won't let me take down Zied-
LANDON
Because there's no point.
Unbeknownst to them, someone is watching them from behind. They continue bickering, not thinking of their surroundings.
LANDON (CONT'D)
We signed a contract. What do you think would happen if we went up against him?
NECROMANCER
You forget, my dear boy, that I-
(he raises his voice)
have magic!
LANDON
Yeah. A lot of good that's done us.
NECROMANCER
Perhaps I can just-
Landon slaps his thighs, exasperated.
LANDON
You know what? Knock yourself out. I'm gonna go finish cleaning the bar.
As soon as Landon stands up, both of them are shot in the neck with darts. They pass out. A person covers Landon's head with a fabric case, dragging him away, but leaves The Necromancer on the ground.
-- EXT. SALVATORE SCHOOL FRONT YARD - NIGHT
Lizzie is in distress. She turns to Aurora with her arms raised.
LIZZIE
My father's alive.
AURORA
Calm yourself.
LIZZIE
I can't calm down! My dad's already back, which means this whole plan is pointless! But if I don't go through with it, then this stupid blood pact will turn me into brisket!
Aurora looks down at the brand on Lizzie's arm. She speaks gently, despite Lizzie's panic.
AURORA
No, it won't... Because I won't consider you quitting a betrayal.
Lizzie calms down at her words.
AURORA (CONT'D)
Go to him. If I could have Tristan back, I wouldn't let some silly brand keep me from that.
LIZZIE
You're not just trying to trick me into betraying you?
Aurora laughs.
AURORA
Look, once upon a time, I absolutely would have, but... We're trying to be better people, are we not?
Lizzie smiles, feeling a weight lifting off her chest.
AURORA (CONT'D)
I can't deprive you of your happiness when it's right there in front of you.
They exchange a stare of gratitude.
AURORA (CONT'D)
I will raise the God of Time to get my family back. You go to yours.
LIZZIE
Thank you.
Lizzie immediately steps forward to give Aurora a hug, who returns it. She smiles at Lizzie as she leaves, feeling sad but also genuinely happy for her.
-- INT. SALVATORE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM - NIGHT
"Round 40" is seen written on the board. Vardemus sips from his teacup.
WADE
All right. I've adjusted her stats. I'll be honest, I don't see how there's much of a battle upgrade.
VARDEMUS
Much remains to be seen, Wade.
(to Hope)
Your move, my dear.
Hope is standing on the Manticulum board. Ken's player is standing in front of her.
HUMANITY-HOPE
I wouldn't send everyone in to weaken him. I'd put myself in danger first, because I can take it.
Hope stares at her personified humanity, regretting the idea.
HUMANITY-HOPE (CONT'D)
I hold the line as long as I can, giving them the best chance.
Hope takes a step toward Ken.
HOPE
I attack Ken alone.
Vardemus runs Hope's move into the device. Wade reads the outcome.
WADE
You do damage. He's still standing.
Ben is standing far behind Ken, reading his moves to them.
BEN
My father calls down lightning.
VARDEMUS
(to Hope)
You're wounded. Your life force is down to seventy percent.
HOPE
I vamp around him. Drawing his fire, distracting him.
BEN
My father keeps striking.
WADE
(to Hope)
You're hit.
VARDEMUS
You can only run so long. Life force to forty percent.
Hope thinks about her next move for a moment.
HOPE
I move into close-quarter combat, inside the reach of his lightning.
Vardemus keeps logging in the Manticulum.
WADE
Your blows do damage, but you're too weak to block his.
BEN
My father keeps attacking.
VARDEMUS
He knocks you down. Thirty percent.
Wade reads the receipts and starts to worry.
WADE
Hope, you have to get out of there.
HOPE
No. I don't run.
Hope's personified humanity is seen standing next to her. Both of them are staring down Ken.
HOPE AND HUMANITY-HOPE (CONT'D)
I get back up.
VARDEMUS
He knocks you down again. Your vision is blurring. Twenty percent.
HOPE
I get back up!
VARDEMUS
Five percent! You have one move left.
The Squad walks in the room behind Hope. She turns to look at them.
KALEB
I'll take the hit for her.
Kaleb puts a comforting hand on Hope's back as reassurance. Vardemus and Wade are visibly shocked.
JED
I take the next one.
MG
We all do. Lizzie would, too.
A moment of silence as the group, along with Ethan and Cleo, surrounds Hope and Ken. Hope smiles.
WADE
They score another hit on Ken! I don't understand. What changed?
VARDEMUS
She's giving them courage.
Hope stares blankly at the scene before her, losing her nerve. Kaleb and Jed exchange a look of pride.
VARDEMUS (CONT'D)
A belief they can win... Having the real Hope as their leader, it's increasing each of their powers. It might just be enough.
BEN
My father retreats.
MG (O.S.)
Yes! Let's go!
HOPE
It's time to finish him.
Hope steps forward, at the forefront of the Squad.
HOPE
We attack as one.
Vardemus stands, ripping the receipt up with him, reading the outcome. A beat.
VARDEMUS
You succeed!
The group cheers. Hope stands still, smiling. Wade hugs Vardemus. Ken's player steps off the board. Alaric laughs and shakes Vardemus' hand.
VARDEMUS (CONT'D)
That was rather exciting.
Hope steps away, toward the other end of the board.
HUMANITY-HOPE
See? We can win. Just turn it all back on. Let me out. Before you lose control.
HOPE
This is all just a stupid game.
A high-pitched sound is echoing through Hope's head. The lights start flickering.
HOPE (CONT'D)
No. It's not real, it's just a spreadsheet.
Hope starts to tear up. The group looks around the room in fear.
HOPE (CONT'D)
You are pathetic! Little boys, roleplaying war? And you're all gonna die! Don't you see that?!
Lights shatter and mystical wind flows through the room as Hope powers flutter out of control.
HOPE (CONT'D)
You're just disposable. I mean, you mean nothing... to me.
More lights flicker and explode. Hope looks at her personified humanity, standing behind the group.
HOPE (CONT'D)
And you... You're a liar. And a martyr.
Alaric, a few feet away from the group, stares at Hope with worry.
HOPE (CONT'D)
And you're never gonna save the people that you love, because you're just not strong enough.
Hope cries silently, tearing streaming down her face. The group doesn't know what to do. A beat. Hope snaps out of it, wiping her cheek.
HOPE (CONT'D)
What are you all doing?! Don't you see I'm about to kill you all?! Someone take me out! Someone take me out.
Kaleb pulls Cleo behind him. MG and Ethan step toward Hope, embracing for impact. Jed and Ben glance at each other. Lizzie enters the room, vamps to Hope, and pulls her in for a hug. As soon as Hope realizes who has her, all the lights shut off completely and she intakes a sharp breath. The second Lizzie believes Hope is calm, she snaps her neck. Lizzie gently lays Hope on the floor before turning around to face everyone.
-- INT. SALVATORE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The group takes a moment to assess what had just happened. Lizzie's eyes land on Alaric.
ALARIC
Elizabeth.
MG hurries over to help him reach Lizzie. She touches his stubble for a moment and speaks softly.
LIZZIE
You're okay.
He hugs her, and MG joins after giving them a moment. Ethan and Kaleb smile at them. Alaric pulls away.
ALARIC
Are you?
LIZZIE
I think so... I'll explain later, but we need to move Hope to the cellar. I have an idea.
MG leans down to pick up Hope, but Lizzie pats his shoulder, silently telling him that she's got her.
-- INT. SALVATORE SCHOOL BASEMENT - MOMENTS LATER
Lizzie sets Hope down on a bed in the cellar. MG is holding the door open for her and Alaric.
ALARIC
What's this master plan of yours? Why does it involve Hope being locked up down here?
LIZZIE
I haven't exactly figured everything out yet. I need to make a call.
-- EXT. OLD MILL - MIDNIGHT
Jed and Ben are sitting by a bonfire. They clink their beer bottles together.
JED
To theoretical victory.
Ben smiles, then groans.
BEN
I am so glad that's over. Thinking like my father is one of the more unpleasant things I've ever done. It felt awful, having to kill you all.
JED
Really, you? Feel bad about something? Wow!
BEN
Are you suggesting that I'm, uh... How do you say it? Uh, a downer?
Jed laughs.
JED
Just, um... Not exactly an optimist.
BEN
But I did feel optimistic today. For the first time ever, I saw that there's a chance. However small and fragile... That someone could finally stop my family. Silly to get my hopes up, I'm sure.
They stare at the fire, pondering.
JED
Well, today I got a crash course reminder in... how short and unpredictable life can be. Made me want to appreciate all the good things, and the good people, when we have them.
Ben smiles, knowing what he means.
JED
So I say, hold onto that optimism. It's worth protecting.
BEN
You know, I think if we're not careful...
(a beat)
You might wind up making me a better person, Jed.
JED
Yeah. Same.
The firewood crackles behind them as they continue their longing stare. Jed clears his throat.
JED (CONT'D)
I should, uh, check up on Finch real quick. She's been handling the pack for me.
He stands.
JED (CONT'D)
But after that, refills coming up.
BEN
Okay.
Ben takes another sip of beer as he watches Jed walk back to the school.
-- INT. SALVATORE SCHOOL BASEMENT - MIDNIGHT
Alaric is sitting in a chair, watching over Hope. A phone can be heard dialing and ringing. A woman with an English accent can be heard saying 'Hello,' on the other end of the line.
LIZZIE (O.S.)
It's me again. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you in a few days.
-- INT. LIZZIE SALTZMAN'S DORM ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Lizzie is on her bed, laying on her stomach with her feet crossed in the air, an open grimoire in front of her face.
LIZZIE (CONT'D)
It's time. How soon can you guys get here?
[THE WOMAN'S DIALOGUE CANNOT BE HEARD. CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON LIZZIE'S FACE. CUTS TO BLACK. TITLE CARD APPEARS.]