Archive of Our Own

Work Text

Hansol Vernon Chwe
as
Sora
Forrester

Maggie Q as
Akane Forrester

LAST CHANCE TO JUST THINK OF THE CAST HOW YOU WANT!!!!
Also if someone is not pictured, they aren't recasted.

Kit Connor as Stefan Salvatore

Jenna Ortega as Elena Gilbert

Amandla Stenberg as Bonnie Bennett

Jacob Elordi as Damon SalvatoreSabrina Carpenter as Caroline Forbes

Aiden Gallagher as Jeremy Gilbert

Victoria Pedretti as Jenna Sommers

Louis Partridge as Matt Donavan

Rome Flynn as Tyler Lockwood

Penn Badgley as Alaric Saltzman

Mia Goth as Vicki Donavan

Danai Gurira as Mrs.Lockwood

Luke Cook as Mayor Lockwood

Angela Basset as Sheila Bennett
Also way too far ahead but:

Nicholas Galitzine as Klaus Mikaelson

Dove Cameron as Rebekah Mikaelson

Thomas Doherty as Elijah Mikaelson

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

s1:e1

[Sora Forrester’s Bedroom, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 6:47 AM]
SORA: (voiceover) Mystic Falls is my home. It’s not where I want to live forever, but it’s where I feel the most a ease(Sora pulls the covers off of his face, letting the sunlight trickle through the windows and onto his face. He lays in bed, motionless as he looks around the pale blue walls of his bedroom.) It takes a certain taste to appreciate the small things about this town. (He rises out of bed and walks over to the mirror.)(Dressed in a pair of tight-fitting boxers and socks that go up to his mid-calf) The people with their small minds, the town square with it’s small business… and me, Sora Forrester, with my small dreams of leaving. (He sighs as he moves out of the room, a light flipping on. He starts the shower, stripping of his clothes. He spares a small look in the bathroom mirror before he climbs into the shower) I find myself looking at my reflection a lot more often than I used to. I keep feeling like a change has come over me. It threatens to make my small dreams into something much bigger.
Like a second coming of a hellish puberty.I hope my voice doesn’t start cracking again.SORA: (runs down the stairs, his hair still moist from his shower, but now groomed, stopping to look at note on the end table by the front door)(reading) Had to work early, good luck at school. Bonnie picking you up. Love, Mom. (He shakes his head, placing the note back down as he walks into the kitchen)
***
BONNIE: So my Grams keeps telling me I’m psychic! Apparently our ancestors are from Salem or something, which isn’t like, a big deal, but she is going on and on about it and it’s like, jeez put this lady in a home already you know? But-SORA: (from the backseat) You did predict Obama though. (He takes a bite out of an apple he is carrying and looks at the window, staring at his reflection) BONNIE: (excitedly) Exactly! And I predicted Heath Ledger! And I still think Florida will break off into small little resort islands! (she looks at both Elena and Sora, before sighing) Hello! Back in the car!ELENA: I’m sorry, I did it again.SORA: I think it’s getting infectious. (takes another bite of his apple) ELENA: You were saying that-BONNIE: That I’m psychic now!ELENA: (playfully) Alright then predict something!BONNIE: (develops a thoughtful look) I predict…SORA: (calmly) Bird… (An object smacks into the windshield, causing Bonnie to slam the brakes and send the car skidding in a full circle)(Sora tips over, coming to rest on the seat sideways) Next time I’m driving us to school. Bonnie can’t be trusted.BONNIE: (worriedly) I’m so sorry Elena! It was like a bird or something, it came from nowhere!ELENA: I’m fine. (Sora and Bonnie both hold faces of disbelief) I promise. I’m not going to be the girl that’s afraid of cars for the rest of her life.SORA: (spooky voice) I predict Bonnie is no longer allowed to drive us to schOoOoOoOol!
***

[Mystic Falls High School, Mystic Falls Virginia, 8:05 AM]
BONNIE: Major lack of male real estate this year.SORA: Ouch.BONNIE: (playfully smacks his arm) You know what I mean. And check out the shower curtain on Kelly Beach. She looks like, can I still say “tranny mess”?ELENA: No I think that’s out!BONNIE: ( looks over Sora’s shoulder) You’re friend is staring.
(Sora and Elena turn to look at Matt, who is staring at them all.)
ELENA: (raises a hand in a fragile wave, which is not reciprocated) He hates me.SORA: That’s not hate. That’s “We dated and you dumped me but I’m still pining over you”. I’ll talk to him about it. He’s probably blasting “Air Supply”.BONNIE: That sounds oddly accurate.CAROLINE: (rushes up, quickly hugging Elena) Oh my god Elena how are you?ELENA: I’m fine Caroline.CAROLINE: (turns to look at Bonnie and Sora)(in the same tone) How is she, is she good?SORA: (purses his lips ands points at Elena)(loudly whispers) She can hear you.ELENA: I’m fine, Caroline, I promise.CAROLINE: (Caroline embraces Elena again, reaching another hand up to pinch Sora’s cheeks) Ok good! I’ll talk to you all later? (All three nod, and watch as Caroline walks off. Bonnie and Sora turn to look at Elena, both suppressing smiles) ELENA: No comment. I’m not gonna say anything.
(All three continue down the hallway until they come to a stop in front of the office.)
BONNIE: Whoa, who is this?ELENA: All I see is a back.BONNIE: A hot back.SORA: You need to get out more if back’s are what you find attractive now.BONNIE: Don’t you have anywhere else to be right now? A class on the opposite side of campus maybe?SORA: (holds up paper schedule triumphantly) Tanner actually! I get to torment you for the next hour to come!BONNIE: (shakes head and looks at the male) I’m guessing Seattle, and he plays the guitar.ELENA: You are really going to play out this psychic thing.SORA: You mind digging up the lottery numbers for me in the midst of all your visions?BONNIE: If you bring me coffee when you pick me up in the morning I’ll consider it.SORA: Eh, I’ll take my chances, that’s too much responsibility.ELENA: (notices Jeremy) I’ll be right back. (she storms off) SORA: I’m gonna go find a good seat in Tanner’s. Last year he put me in the front and it was my own layer of hell.BONNIE: (not looking away from the handsome back, who seems to be dealing with a problem with his records) Save me one.SORA: (shakes his head as he walks off, only to bump into Jeremy, his schedule falling.) Always a pleasure Jeremy. (Jeremy says nothing and walks off. Sora purses his lips and bends over to pick up his schedule. He looks over it realizing Mr.Tanner is located in the opposite direction. He turns around and bumps into another figure.) I’m sorry! Wrecking ball coming through apparently.STEFAN: It’s fine. Uh, the men’s room?SORA: (points behind him, where Elena is currently exiting.) Or… it’s not? Elena what are you-ELENA: It’s a long story. Let’s just…SORA: Right. (turns to look at Stefan, who is staring at Elena) Um… yeah.STEFAN: Apologies again.
(Sora nods one last time, before gesturing for Elena to follow. The two gather with Bonnie as they head to class)

(Sora gets a seat near the back, positioned between Stefan and Matt, with Bonnie next to him. During class he continues to stare out of the window, though instead of looking at his reflection he continues to stare at Stefan’s)

***

[Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 3:56 PM]

(Vicki approaches a table where Sora, Matt and Tyler all sit, placing a plate of food in front of Matt)
MATT: Thanks Vick.VICKI: (seductively to Tyler)
Do you need another refill?SORA: (holds his cup out) I do slave. (Vicki flips him off but takes his cup. He blows a kiss) TYLER: I would love one. (Vicki smiles and takes his cup before walking off) MATT: Please tell me you’re not hooking up with my sister.SORA: (quickly, stealing a fry from Matt’s plate) As your lawyer, I advise against answering that question.TYLER: (chuckles) I’m not hooking up with your sister.MATT: You guys are such dicks. (slaps a second fry out of
Sora’s hand) SORA: (pouting, rubbing his hand) I hope he deflowers your sister.CAROLINE: (approaches table) You
guys ordered already?SORA: I was waiting for you guys.CAROLINE: Ever the gentleman, however as you may have heard, I am already betrothed to Stefan.TYLER: (rises) I’m gonna go rack up the balls.SORA: I’m gonna pee. (he rises and walks off towards the bathroom, when he gets into the bathroom, he glances at the mirror and comes to a stop, freezing as he realizes that his reflection that is staring back at him is not his reflection. The thing that stares at him appears to have a traditional japanese fox mask on. A large 10 petal flower appears behind him. The longer he stares he can hear the word “Tengoku” being repeated by many voices all at once. A toilet flushes and Sora blinks. He looks around and realizes that he has been in the bathroom for an alarming amount of time. Rushing out he makes sure to avoid looking at any more mirrors. When he returns he finds that Matt has disappeared and Caroline has set up at a table with Bonnie, Elena and Stefan] CAROLINE: Jeez, where did you disappear to? Matt said he went to go find you but you weren’t in the bathroom.SORA: (confused) I was… Nevermind. (reaches a hand out to Stefan) Sora Forrester.STEFAN: Stefan Salvatore. (he takes Sora’s hand. Both smile at each other, holding the other’s a bit longer than they should. Caroline clears her throat and the two seperate their hands, chuckling nervously.) Nice to meet you again.SORA: Bathrooms appear to be the main theme today. (chuckles) So did you just move back into town or… (he pulls a chair up next to Bonnie, taking a seat.) STEFAN: Yeah, I moved
away when I was young, and now I live with my uncle now.ELENA: Siblings?STEFAN: None that I talk to.SORA: Sibling rivalry?STEFAN: How do you mean?SORA: Well you just said that you don’t talk to your siblings. (He now seems confused) Unless I totally misinterpreted that.STEFAN: Me and my brother haven’t spoken in years.CAROLINE: So Stefan! If you’re new to town that means you don’t know about the party tomorrow!BONNIE: It’s a Back-to-school thing at the falls.SORA: Big fun, lots of underage drinking, and a pretty view of the falls that could drown you if you fell in whilst inebriated.BONNIE: Look at you using big words!SORA: (sticks a fry in mouth) SAT Prep homie.STEFAN: (Everyone chuckles) (to Elena) Are you going to be there? (his eyes dart to Sora, who is focused on stealing a drink from Bonnie’s cup.) BONNIE: (snatches cup out of Sora’s hands) Of course she is!CAROLINE: (has noticed Stefan’s interest in Elena)(turns to Sora) So, you promise not to ditch us this time around?SORA: Drunk me makes no promises.BONNIE: Well maybe this time you could actually try to stay at the falls?ELENA: (to Stefan) Last year Sora walked all the way from the falls home.STEFAN: Drunk you has the tendency to walk?SORA: I was really hungry.CAROLINE: We found him at home, pretty much smothered in leftover Chinese takeout.SORA: (nods) I really wanted Orange Chicken. (everyone chuckles)
***

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 8:30 PM]
SORA: (laying on the couch, wearing a pair of basketball shorts and a white t-shirt, no socks) AKANE FORRESTER: (opens the front door, removing her shoes) I’m home!SORA: (not looking away from the television) Welcome home! Chicken will be ready in a bit.AKANE: (walks into the living room. Sora pulls his feet closer towards him so she can take a seat, before replacing them on her lap. She smiles, rubbing the top of his legs, her eyes trained on him) First day of school go well?SORA: Yeah. Mr.Tanner has already given us a bunch of assignments.AKANE: I see he still doesn’t waste any time. What about your other classes?SORA: Syllabi and introductions mom. What about you?AKANE: Doctor-Patient confidentiality but let me tell you, a lot of people in this town have problems.SORA: (nods as a timer goes off in the kitchen. He looks over his shoulder, blowing out a breath before he rotates his body off the couch and walks into the kitchen.) There is a new kid in town.AKANE: Really? Who is it?SORA: His name is Stefan. Stefan Salvatore? Think he’s related to your friend Zach Salvatore or something.AKANE: (frowns) I didn’t know that Zach had any relatives.SORA: Yeah. His nephew or something I guess. (he walks back in with a wine glass, handing it to his mother) AKANE: That’s…. Interesting.SORA: I mean, a new kid is always interesting. I keep getting this weird vibe though.AKANE: Weird? How?SORA: (quiet for a couple of seconds) I don’t know. It’s stupid. (he shakes his head and walks back into the kitchen.)(over his shoulder while he is cutting chicken) Do you want rice or should I make a salad?AKANE: (lost in thought) Let’s do rice tonight, keep it simple.
***

[Mr.Tanner’s class, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 9:01 AM]
MR.TANNER: The Battle of Willow Creek took place right at the end of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle. Ms Bennett?BONNIE: Um… a lot? I’m not sure but like a whole lot.MR.TANNER: Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Ms.Bennett. (Bonnie frowns, and looks down) Mr.Donovan! Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome you’re embedded jock stereotype?MATT: It’s ok Mr.Tanner, I’m cool with it. (the class chuckle) MR.TANNER: (smiles tightly, disappointed) Mr.Forrester? Surely you can enlighten us about one of the towns most significantly historical events?SORA: 373 casualties?MR.TANNER: So close, and yet so far. The correct answer is 346.STEFAN: Actually there were 27 more, sir. They were civilian casualties. Confederate soldiers fired on a church believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong. It was a night of great loss. The Founder’s archives are stored in civil hall if you would like to brush up on your facts, Mr.Tanner.
(Sora’s eyes bulges as he looks down, trying to hide a smile)

***

[The “Falls”, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 7:08 PM]
SORA: (grasping a beer bottle) Admit it, you’ve still got feelings for Elena!MATT: (exasperated) And if I do? It doesn’t really matter now does it? She’s got googly eyes for that Stefan guy.SORA: (mock defeat, staring at his bottle) Yeah, I bet it’s cause he’s Italian. (perks up) Come on, you can’t let yourself be beat that easily! You gotta, I don’t know, make a grand gesture! Let her know that you’re still way into her! If she’s looking at Stefan remind her why she was looking at you first!MATT: You know for someone who’s never been in a relationship, you give an awful lot of relationship advice.SORA: My mom gets a lot of couple with problems in her office. Now, I’m gonna go find Bonnie and see if she can deter her whole “I love you and Stefan” vibe she is throwing at Elena, you (brief pause as he tries not to fall over) think of something to make her remember your existence! (he stumbles off in the direction of the main fire, where he sees Bonnie and Elena. He approaches them)(excitedly) There you are! (throws his arms up excitedly, dropping his beer) BONNIE: (matching his excitement, throwing her arms up to mirror him) Here we are!ELENA: (giggling, reaching down to retrieve his beer) How much have you had to drink already?SORA: Can not go home drunk, so me and Tyler pre-gamed a little (holds his fingers centimeters apart, squinting to try and see the distance between them) too hard. That (points at beer bottle in Elena’s hand) Is the only drink I’ve had… since I got here.BONNIE: (shaking her head) Sora, you are one crazy kid.SORA: I become a cute blur whenever I’m drunk. Speaking of which! (imitating a cop, straightening an invisible tie before pointing a fake flashlight at Bonnie) How much have you been drinking tonight Ms.Bennett?BONNIE: (giggling) Not enough apparently! On a different note, (to Elena) where is Mr. Dreamy?ELENA: I don’t know. You tell me, you’re the psychic one.BONNIE: You’re right! Ok, give me sec, grams says I have to concentrate. ELENA: Wait! You need a crystal ball. (looks around for a second before realizing she still has Sora’s beer bottle. She extends the bottle towards Bonnie) Tada.SORA: That’s not magic, that’s thievery!BONNIE: (shakes her head and scoffs, reaches a hand out to grab the beer bottle. When her hand touches Elena, she freezes, her eyes going wide to stare at Elena.) (Sora and Elena’s smiles start to fall as they stare at her longer) SORA: Bonnie? (snaps his fingers in front of her face. The action seems to bring her back) BONNIE: That was weird.ELENA: What?BONNIE: When I touched you, I saw a crow.ELENA: (creeped out) What?BONNIE: A crow. There was fog. A Man. (sees the worried look on Elena’s face) I’m drunk. It’s the drinking. Nothing psychic about it. Yeah? (quickly) Ok, I’m gonna get a refill. (she walks off, causing Elena and Sora to look at eachother confused) SORA: (confused) Ok… (turns and sees that Stefan has appeared quite suddenly in front of them) (flinches) STEFAN: Hi.ELENA: Hi.SORA: (clutching his chest) Hi.STEFAN: (to Elena) I did it again didn’t I?SORA: If you mean creeped up on someone and gave them a heart attack, definitely dude.STEFAN: (chuckles) I’m sorry. (he notices that Sora and Elena both seem off) Did something happen?ELENA: No it’s just Bonnie.. She’s… You know what? Nevermind. You’re here. (smiles stares dreamily at Stefan) STEFAN: I’m here.SORA: And I want to be somewhere by the falls. (grabs beer bottle from Elena, before smiling a tight lipped smile)
You kids have fun. (retreats in the same direction as Bonnie) ELENA: Remember: don’t walk home. (Sora waves back at her and she smiles, shaking her head)
***
STEFAN: (two cups clasped in his hands, walks hurriedly away from Elena. He continues towards where he remembers the drinks to be. A twig snapping draws his attention as he comes to a stop, looking in to the woods. He cautiously approaches the sound. For a few feet where he finds Sora, sitting by himself) SORA: (his feet dangle over the edge of a small drop off into the water) Greetings! (holds up a bottled water in a sort of wave) Not a bathroom this time!STEFAN: (taking a seat next to him, their shoulders touching) Indeed. Though there are people, who would use this as a bathroom though.SORA: Oh… (looks at the water) Yuck. (Stefan chuckles) There goes the end of school party at the falls.STEFAN: I’m sure you’ll find a better location with less bacteria.SORA: Eh. If I wear goggles and just don’t drink the water I should be fine right? (playfully bumps Stefan) I’m sorry, I’m not good with small talk.STEFAN: It’s fine. I’ve never been great with small talk.SORA: So tell me about your brother. Why don’t you guys talk?STEFAN: Straight to the point huh?SORA: (laughs) Might as well just jump to the age you started to disappointing your father. Builds a better foundation when you know what’s the worst thing to happen to you.STEFAN: Him and I don’t talk anymore because of a girl. (Sora is silent) Stupid right?SORA: Troy had a war over a girl. It’s not too dumb. (shrugs) People fight for what they want.STEFAN: And you? What do you want?SORA: (looks at Stefan, perfectly aware of how close their faces are together) Something worth fighting for. (He notices that Stefan has leaned in a bit more) So you and Elena?STEFAN: (leans away, clearing his throat) Is it that obvious?SORA: Only if you see you two together. (chuckles) If this girl you fought with your brother over is anything like Elena, I can understand why. She… deserves the best. Especially after everything. Somebody deserves something good.STEFAN: Something happen to you recently?SORA: Nothing big like my parents dying, but my dad disappeared a couple of months ago. (he takes a sip of water) He curses me and my mother one night before bed, and the next, everything he owns is just, gone. Like he erased himself from our lives.STEFAN: I’m sorry.SORA: ( quickly) Don’t be. Life goes on, and the think that should break us make us stronger. (rises, dusting off his pants) Speaking of which, think it’s about time to get another beer in both of us, what do you think?STEFAN: I think that’s gonna be a little hard to do now (gestures to the police cars driving across the bridge.) SORA: That can’t be good...

***
SORA: (approaches Bonnie, Stefan close behind) What happened?BONNIE: Vicki Donovan was attacked by some sort of animal. Bit her neck, she’s losing a lot of blood.SORA: (not noticing how concerned Stefan looks) Perfect way to start off the year… Any idea what it was?BONNIE: Animal control is saying it looks like maybe a mountain lion or something. Me and Caroline were gonna go mainline coffee and wait for news. Elena said she had to take Jeremy home.SORA: (turns to look at Stefan, who has disappeared quite quickly) Um, I should probably get home. My mom is probably worried sick and I left my cell on my bed. Text me when there is news?BONNIE: Will do. (Sora nods and turns to leave. Bonnie grabs his hand, halting his departure) I see the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him.SORA: (feigning confusion) I have no idea what you’re talking about Bonnie.BONNIE: I may not be psychic, but I know what I saw…SORA: (slightly creeped out) Be safe getting home Bonnie.
***

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 1:09 AM]
SORA: (walks in to his house to be immediately embraced by his mother) I’m fine Mama, I promise.AKANE: You didn’t answer your phone! And neither did Bonnie.SORA: Her dad is probably blowing up her phone too much for anything to get through, and I left my phone on my bed.AKANE: That’s it, no more parties. Not until that wild animal is caught. (sees that Sora is going to protest, holds up a finger, effectively silencing him) Not up for debate young man. (She runs a hand through his hair. ) I’m so glad you’re safe. (embraces him tightly)SORA: I was fine. I promise. (the doorbell rings) I’ll get it, you go to bed. (his mother seemingly obliges, however she halts at the top of the stairs to watch the front door, seemingly worried that the mountain lion will have found their house and come for her child.) (Sora opens the door to see Stefan standing outside) Hey. You disappeared tonight.STEFAN: (out of breath) Hey. Yeah, I wanted to apologize for disappearing earlier.SORA: Cops make you squeamish, I get it.STEFAN: Something like that.AKANE: Whos is that Sora?SORA: A friend mom! (he blushes and looks at Stefan) Do you have a car? Like how did you get here?STEFAN: I walked here. But my uncle will come pick me up.SORA: (obviously worried) Are you sure? We can make up the guest bedroom and I can drop you off tomorrow morning. Just so everyone can get some rest. (quietly) And maybe you and I can talk some more…STEFAN: (smiling, appreciative) I would like that.SORA: (smiling, opening the door wider) Come on in. (Stefan walks through the door and Sora closes it behind him)
***TRICKSTER***

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

s1:e2

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 5:45 AM]

SORA:

(sitting in his bed, dressed in only a pair of boxers and socks, his blankets crumpled up at his feet. He stares blankly at the roof) (voiceover)

This morning is… different. Instead of dreading the change I feel approaching I embrace it.

(he turns to stare to his left, at a mirror placed on his wall, looking at himself)

I don’t fear looking at the mirror.

STEFAN:

(laying in bed, staring at the roof) (voiceover)

I no longer see the monster that I’ve watched for over a century. I don’t see the terrible creature I think of as myself. Instead I see something good. Something hopeful. Because,

(he turns to look to the right, at a dresser positioned against the wall)

if someone like him can see more than that in someone like me,

(it is revealed that Stefan and Sora are sleeping in rooms right next to each other, both looking at the wall that separates one from the other)

SORA:

(voiceover)

I can’t be nearly as bad as I think I am.

(He rises out of bed, the blanket catching his foot. He trips and smacks into the floor)(quietly, under his breath)

Fuck me.

STEFAN:

(chuckles as he rises from bed)

SORA:

(Showers quickly and gets dressed, as he leaves the bathroom, towelling his hair off, he collides with Stefan) (chuckles)

Bathroom again.

STEFAN:

(smiling)

Bathroom again.

SORA:

(they sit in silence for a couple of seconds, Sora fidgeting with his towel)

We should probably get you home soon huh? Wouldn’t want your uncle to think you were a part of that whole animal attack. Plus, you can’t show up to school in the same outfit you wore yesterday, it’s pretty much social suicide.

STEFAN:

(slightly distracted by the way Sora’s hair looks wet, shakes his head and smiles again)

Yeah,
that might be a good idea.

SORA:
I will uh,

(nervously moves past Stefan, trying to be careful not to touch him)

get dressed, and then we will head out.

STEFAN:
Sounds good.

(watches as Sora quickly closes his door, seemingly relaxing a little more as the door closes)

***

[Salvatore Manor, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 6:30 AM]

STEFAN:

(playful)

You

do

know it’s not a race to get everywhere?

SORA:

(grips his steering wheel, smiling mischievously)

Life is too short to follow speed limits Mr.Salvatore. Besides, now you have extra time. Sleep some more. Spend another 30 minutes on your hair.

(parks in front of the Manor, leans his head against the headrest and stares at Stefan)

We’ve reached your stop sir, that’ll be 25 dollars and

(holds out a hand)

tips are greatly appreciated.

(winks)

STEFAN:

(unbuckling his seat belt)

Haha. Thank you for letting me spend the night Sora.

SORA:
Anytime. We keep the bedroom for whenever my grandparents visit but they really only come in the summer.

STEFAN:
I thought the sheets smelled like old people.

SORA:
Listen here buddy, I wash the sheets after they leave every single time!

STEFAN:
I’ll make sure to add “Washing” to the list of things you don’t know how to do.

SORA:

(mock offense)

What else is on the list?!

STEFAN:

(points to steering wheel)

Driving.

SORA:

(dramatically groans, and drops his seat backwards so he is staring at the roof)

All my life I’ve only thought I was good at two things… You sir have crushed my dreams of being an on-the-go linen washing service. Congrats. Just bury me in this car.

STEFAN:

(chuckling, shaking his head)

I’m sure someone like you will find many other things to be good at.

SORA:
Thank you kindly.

(the two sit quietly, staring at each other. Sora’s phone vibrates, breaking them from their daze)(He pulls his phone out of his pocket, not looking at it yet)

I guess I will see you at school?

(he looks down at his phone to see a message from Bonnie)

STEFAN:

(slight disappointment, as he turns )

Um, yeah. It’s like 2 hours from now right?

SORA:
Yeah. But um

(clears throat, putting phone to the side)

you know I have to pick up Bonnie.

(continues quickly when Stefan looks unsure)

And Elena! Here in a bit, for school

(nervous smile)

. I could just chill here and wait and we can all car pool?

STEFAN:
Um, yeah, sure. But do you want to

(points towards his house)

Come inside maybe? You can wait on the couch, maybe catch up on that reading that you’re not doing.

SORA:

(squints at Stefan)

I can totally read the entire book the day before every assignment.

(sees the disbelieving look on Stefan’s face)

Alrighty, I guess I will come inside since you’re

so

insistent!

( he unbuckles his belt and twists around to grab his backpack from the backseat)

STEFAN:

(catches himself staring at a patch of skin that was exposed in this action)(clears throat and hurriedly exits the car)(He leads Sora into his house to the living room)

And this is the living room.

(gestures around)

SORA:
It’s…

(frowns)

excessive.

(chuckles)

No TV?

STEFAN:
Of course you would pick out that as a flaw.

SORA:
It takes a lot to impress Critique a la Forrester

(dramatically gestures to self, taking a couple of steps towards Stefan)

STEFAN:

(takes a couple of steps closer so they’re less than a foot apart)

I’ll make sure to take notes.

SORA:
Good, it means you’ll up your game.

(leans in, his heart pounding as Stefan does the sam e)(whispers)

You should probably get ready.

(blushing, leans back, taking a step away as he looks anywhere but back at Stefan, but he’s smiling)

STEFAN:

(watching him, slightly entertained)

Alright.

(turns to leave the room)(before exiting he spins around, pointing a finger at Sora)

Don’t wander off.

SORA:

(points back)

No promises.

STEFAN:

(chuckles as he rounds the corner. He looks at his finger unbelievably) (whisper, to self)

“Don’t wander off?” Stupid!

SORA:

(whisper, to self)

“You should probably get ready”?

(slaps forehead)

Stupid!

(moves to couch, taking a seat. After digging through his backpack for a couple of seconds he withdraws a book and begins to read)

(After a couple of pages his mind wanders to the idea that Stefan is showering upstairs, and after several attempts to refocus he finally gives up and stands, setting the book down.)(he rises and begins to look around the room, finally coming to a stop at one of the many chandeliers. Slowly he reaches out to touch one of the dangling crystals)(A creak sounds behind him, and Sora turns to look behind him, his hand frozen inches away from the shining crystal, seemingly ready to admit guilt to Stefan but is instead greeted with a still empty room)(Relieved he turns to look back at the chandelier, only to come face-to-face with a shirtless Damon Salvatore.)

SORA:

(a sharp intake of breath, hurriedly steps back only to trip over his own feet and tumble backwards towards an end table housing the Salvatores main store of bourbon and expensive glasses)

DAMON:

( catches Sora with his left arm around the others waist)

I don’t think you’re supposed to touch things that are older than your great grandparents.

SORA:

(madly blushing)

I-I’m sorry.

(puts his own left arm out to steady himself on the table, knocking one of the glasses off the table)

DAMON:

(catches that as well, bringing his face only inches from Sora’s at this point)(teasing)

You don’t listen. I like you.

(smiles deviously)

SORA:
I am so s-sorry! I-I mu-must be losing my mind. It’s early, and I was up pretty late last night with your brother and-

(horrified look)

Oh god, not like that ! We were talking! And now I’m just gonna take him to school, but he has to get ready and I was just gonna wait and…

(realizes he is babbling because he is nervous)(closes his eyes and takes a deep breath)

I’m babbling.

DAMON:

(amused)

I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Damon Salvatore.

SORA:

(calmer)

Hello Damon Salvatore, I’m Sora Forrester.

(nervous chuckle)

I would shake your hand but

(gestures to their proximity)

I think we’re close enough.

DAMON:
I don’t know.

(pulls Sora closer to him so the only parts of them not touching is their faces)

I’m sure we could be closer.

SORA:

(looks away, placing a hand against Damon’s chest and gently pushing him away until he’s arms length)

I think

this

is close enough.

(clears throat)

Are you Stefan’s uncle or, like his uncle’s partner?

DAMON:
I’m his brother actually.

SORA:

(nodding, knowingly)

The one he hasn’t spoken to in years?

DAMON:
He’s been a little bit upset with me.

SORA:

(crosses his arms across his chest, walking a couple steps away)

Well if you treat all of his friends the way you just treated me, I think I can understand why.

DAMON:

(playful, walking towards him again)

And what if I told you that treatment was just for you?

SORA:
I would tell you I don’t believe you for a second.

DAMON:
Well apologies…

(shrugs)

I was hoping when I heard someone down here it was going to be the infamous Elena.

SORA:

(nods, clearly hurt)

He talks about her a lot?

DAMON:
Never shuts up about her! They’ve been talking for only a couple of days but you would think they were

(pauses briefly to look Sora up and down)

in love or something.

(smiles mischievously)

Hello Stefan.

STEFAN:

(stoic)

Damon, I didn’t realize you would be awake this early.

DAMON:
Awe, well I heard you trying to sneak in and figured I would check out who you were bringing over so early.

(winks at Sora, walking towards Stefan)

When you’re done playing with him brother, you should give me a turn.

(pats Stefan’s shoulder before turning to look at Sora)

It was a pleasure to meet you, Sora Forrester.

(exits)

STEFAN:

(watches him leave before turning to look at Sora, who looks fairly hurt)

Sora--

(stops when he notices Sora’s features harden)

SORA:

(quickly, emotionless, not making eye contact)

Bonnie is almost ready.You ready?

(looks at Stefan, faking a smile)

We should
get going.

(moves past him to the front door)

***

[Mystic Falls High School, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 7:54 AM]

(The car ride is almost silent. Stefan has moved from the passenger seat to the back seat with Elena, and Bonnie sits up front. Sora hasn’t so much as glanced in Stefan’s direction since their departure of the Salvatore Manor. Bonnie has noticed this.)

BONNIE:
So apparently Caroline saw this really dreamy guy at the Mystic Grill last night. She won’t shut up about him!

SORA:

(wanting to contribute)

Are we sure she wasn’t just drunk?

BONNIE:
Blaming it on female hysterics?

STEFAN:
That reminds me!

(reaches into his bag and withdraws a book)

I brought it.

ELENA:
Wuthering Heights by Ellis Bell. I can’t believe she didn’t use her real name.

STEFAN:
All the Bronte sisters used pseudonyms. It was the time. Female writers weren’t very accepted then.

SORA:
She would have been burned at the stake for witchcraft.

BONNIE:
That reminds me! So Grams says I’m a witch. My ancestors were these really cool witch chicks or something. Grams tried to explain it to me but she was looped on the liquor so I tuned her out.

SORA:
I wish my mom would give me some more information about my family. She has all these weapons locked away in the attic that I can’t even look at without getting an hour lecture about boundaries.

BONNIE:
If you get a hold of one of those swords, I’m pretty sure that’s how you get super powers.

SORA:
I was thinking the exact same thing!

BONNIE:

(giggles)

Operation Get The Swords will commence at midnight!

***

SORA:

(he sits alone at a table, staring out at the courtyard, a book clasped in one hand that he has obviously given up reading)

STEFAN:
Hey.

(chuckles at Sora jumping)

Focusing on something?

(takes a seat next to him)

SORA:
Yeah, a little bit.

(runs a hand through his hair and scoots away)

I can see why you and your brother don’t talk.

STEFAN:
Yeah, about this morning. I’m really sorry. Damon really likes to try and get in my head.

SORA:

(chuckles nervously)

Flirting with your friends is definitely one way to do that.

STEFAN:
I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.

SORA:

(scoffs, trying to play it cool)

Have you seen me Stefan? It would have made me uncomfortable if he

hadn’t

flirted with me ok?

STEFAN:

(playing along)

Of course! We all know that you’re the cat’s pajamas.

SORA:
You’re damn right…

(they sit in silence for a couple of seconds, contemplating where to take this conversation.

MATT:

(walking with Elena)

They’re keeping her overnight to make sure there is no infection, but she should be able to come home tomorrow.

ELENA:
That’s good news. Did you get in touch with your mom?

MATT:
I called and left a message. She’s in Virginia Beach with her boyfriend, so we’ll see how long it takes her to come rushing home.

ELENA:

(sighs)

Vickie’s lucky that she survived

MATT:
I know, and now there’s talk of some missing campers

ELENA:
Did she say what kind of animal it was that attacked her?

MATT:
She said, it was a vampire.

SORA:

(notices that Stefan has perked up just a little bit, like he heard something that surprised him)

Everything good?

ELENA:
What?

MATT:
Yeah, she wakes up last night, mutters vampire and passes back out.

ELENA:
That’s weird.

MATT:
I think she was drunk.

(glances towards the table where Sora and Stefan are seated)

So what’s up with you and the new guy?
ELENA: (glances to where Matt is looking) I… don’t know. We talk and we have fun but… He’s usually talking to Sora.
MATT:
You know Sora. He’s the welcoming committee for every new person in town. Once Stefan’s all settled in he will probably back off.

(Stefan manages to hide his hurt expression)

ELENA:
Yeah… but nothing. We’re friends Matt.

MATT:
Yeah but the way you guys look at eachother isn’t how I look at friends.

ELENA:
Matt, the last thing I wanna do is hurt you.

MATT:

(defeated)

You know I-- I’m actually gonna go back to the hospital. I wanna be there when Vickie wakes up, get the real story of what happened last night.

ELENA:

(sadly)

Ok.

(watches as Matt walks away, before glancing over to Stefan and Sora are seated.)

SORA:
Earth to Stefan!

STEFAN:

(snaps out of it)(quickly gathers his stuff)

I actually have to go.

SORA:

(surprised)

Oh! Do you need a ride?

STEFAN:
No I’ll be fine.

(quickly walks off)

SORA:

(dumbfounded, watching him walk away)

Ok…

(looks over to see Elena, shrugs at her confused look)

***

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 4:05 PM]

SORA:

(walks in the house, placing keys in the bowl on the end table next to the door, see’s a note)(picks it up and reads)

Bokken today at 4:30 in the dojo. Protective gear required. Please show up early for meditation. Love, Mom.

(he scoffs, looking at the clock.)(realizing the time he curses and rushes up the steps to change)(at what seems impossibly fast, he had changed his clothes into traditional kendo battle attire, grasping the Kote (gloves) in one hand the Men(helmet) in the other)

(The backyard of the Forrester residence is very large and has a very traditional Japanese feel to it, with a small pool of water that runs under a bridge. The sound of a Sozu fountain can be heard every 15 seconds. To the left there is a building that is built like a traditional japanese dojo. Sora quickly rushes to it, sliding the door open. His mother, Akane, sits in the middle of the one large room, her eyes closed and her legs crossed. In front of her are two bokken. Sora rushes forward and copies her position.)

AKANE:

(not opening eyes)

You’re late.

SORA:

(closes eyes)

I
gave Bonnie and Elena a ride to school today so I had to drop them off at the Grill.

(opens one eye to peek at his mother)

Sorry.

AKANE:
It’s fine. Just focus on calming your mind for now.

SORA: (nods, relaxing) O-ok.

(The two sit in silence, both breathing and focusing)(At 4:30 Akane opens her eyes at the sound of the Sozu fountain emptying)

AKANE:
You’re growing curious about my side of the family.

SORA:

(fidgets)

Well, Bonnie’s grandmother is telling her that they descended from Salem witches. Elena and Tyler’s families are part of the Original Founders of Mystic Falls…. And so are the Forresters but I can’t find out about any of that cause dad took his stuff.

AKANE:
The Founders Archives have much about the Forresters, I thought you read those last year.

SORA:

(quickly)

I did. And they were informative but…

AKANE:
But what?

(tilts her head)

SORA:

(shrugs)

But they were bare bones. There were months at a time where there would be no mention of the Forrester family. They would state the Forresters talked to the local native tribe but they wouldn’t state what was said, or what they were speaking about. I felt like I was reading about George Washington or Abe Lincoln.

(looks at his mom)

Like I was just reading about someone I had to write a paper on and not my family.

AKANE:

(pauses, thinking carefully)

I understand it is difficult. I have made the effort to reach out to the detectives investigating your father’s disappearance. I’m sure he could answer some of your questions.

SORA:
I don’t want him… I just want to know about my family.

AKANE:

(nods)

Understood.

(sees his disappointed look and straightens her back)

The Tsune family, my family, were warriors who protected the Imperial Family in Japan for centuries. We were known for our cunning, and using fire and smoke to confuse our enemies into attacking thin air. It was from our family that the myth of the Trickster foxes arose.

SORA:
Trickster foxes?

AKANE:
The Kitsune. Creatures of cunning and deviousness. However, our fall from grace is what turned our family into the demons the japanese see as harbingers of evil. Our great Ancestor, Inari Tsune, sought to avoid a war between two great forces in Japan. The Emperor, a foolish man, wanted only to claim the land from the monks who resided there, and burned their rice fields, their homes to the ground, all for the love of a woman who they had turned away years ago. So, Inari killed him.

SORA:
Whoa!

(holds up a finger)

You’re saying, our great ancestor, Inari, assassinated an Emperor?

AKANE:
Yes. With her Fox mask, dressed in her heaviest of armor, she crept past every guard using smoke and fire to draw them away from their positions. When she got to his room however she found that she could not bring herself to cut him down. She had sworn to never raise her sword to harm him, to protect him. So instead, she covered the room in oil from a lantern, and lit it on fire. When he awoke and tried to flee, she held him down. Holding him like a mother holds a child until his screams ceased and his life was no more. Then, from the flames she walked, her armor scalding her skin and burning her. But she did not scream. Guards approached her to kill the demon who had slain their emperor, but she cut them down with ease, and left the burning palace forever.

(She notices that Sora is completely entrapped by the story)

And so she became known as a Kitsune. A demon of deceit and fire. Unburned and wreaking havoc wherever she went.

SORA:
And then what? Where did she go? How did she escape from Japan? Did she escape from Japan?

AKANE:
That is a story for another time, Sora. Now we must train. Don’t think a couple millenia means that the Tsune can give up their title as “the fiercest warriors”.

(She rises, grabbing one of the Bokken, and slipping on her Men)(Sora follows suit and both sink into a stance)

Now, prepare yourself for battle, Sora.

(The both swing, the sound of wood smacking against wood is in time with the Sozo fountain emptying itself)

***

SORA:

(laying flat out on the ground, his bokken and his Men right next to him)

Ouch.

AKANE:

(sitting cross legged, staring at her phone, texting)

I’m sure you’re fine.

SORA:
And I’m pretty sure that beating up your son with a wooden sword is child abuse.

AKANE:

(not looking up from her phone)

Beat me and it’ll be elderly abuse.

SORA:

(they both laugh)

As if. You’re way too fast. You don’t even turn to follow my movement, you just react.

AKANE:

(stops looking at her phone)

Sit up. I’m gonna show you something.

SORA:

(sits up, cautiously)

Ok?

AKANE:
Sit in whatever position you’re the most comfortable in and close your eyes.

SORA:

(cautious)

Ok…

(reluctantly closes eyes)

What’s going on?

AKANE:
I want you to focus all of your attention on your ears. Listen in to something specific.

SORA:
What am I listening for?

AKANE:
I want you to focus on the Sozu fountain outside.

(on cue the smack of the bamboo against rock sounds)

SORA:
Well that’s easy. It’s pretty loud.

AKANE:
Well now I want you to focus on hearing it fill up. Not the rush of water as it all pour out, or the smack of the bamboo against rock, but the water slowly trickling in.

SORA:

(opens his eyes and slouches)

Seriously?

AKANE:
Just do it. Try and hear the water, and actually focus ok.

SORA:

(looks at her, obviously doubting it, but closes his eyes anyone) (after a couple of seconds he makes a face)

I can’t, the sound of it emptying is too much.

AKANE:
Then work towards it. Focus on the sound of it emptying. Then focus on the sound of the water pouring out. Then finally the water flowing into it.

SORA:

(frowns but focus. After the first two emptying he finally hears only the water emptying. To him it’s much louder, like he is sitting next to it now)(As it empties itself once more he focuses harder and finally, he can hear the water tickling into the pipe) (he smiles)

I can hear it. It sounds like I’m sitting right next to it.

AKANE:
Now don’t lose focus, don’t open your eyes, and don’t question it. Turn your hearing to me.

(she gently grabs his hand and puts it above her own.)

I want you to listen to my heart beat. When you’ve got it, I want you to tap along.

SORA:

(complies, focusing more closer. At first it’s only silence, but he begins to hear the steady heartbeat. He touches his mothers hand once, out of time and stops. After a few more tries he begins a steady beat, in sync with his mother’s heart.)

AKANE:
Very good. You can open your eyes Sora.

SORA:

(opens his eyes slowly, squinting against the light for a few seconds)

How can I do that?

AKANE:
The Tsune were very special, Sora. We can do lots of things, our bodies just have to be in the condition to do it. When you’ve mastered being able to hear things others can’t, I will show you more.

SORA:
Things like what?

AKANE:
I can teach you a lot. How to see in the dark, how to move faster than anyone alive, lift things that nobody can.

(she reaches out and takes his hands)

Sora, in time, I can teach you how to fly.

SORA:

(frowns, before laughing)

Ok mom.

AKANE:
Don’t laugh. This is very serious.

(she looks like she wants to continue but Sora’s look of confusion stops her)

I know you have a lot of questions, and in time I will answer them. But not now. You are not ready.

SORA:
Can I at least know why I would be able to do all of this?

AKANE:
Because the Tsune are a very special family.

(reaches out and cups his face)

And while your last name may be Forrester, you are a Tsune.

(Sora frowns, and she pats his cheek)

Now for dinner, I was thinking I could make a recipe from home that your grandparents make every time they’re here.

***

[Town Square, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 1:09 PM]

MATT:
Everything all right? You seem off.

SORA:
Yeah, things are just weird right now. My mom is going through a whole training thing and she says it’s going to be intense, but I’m gonna be

(makes quotation marks, still holding on to programs)

“stronger” when it’s all over and I’ll live up to my family name.

(tone changes)

Hi would you like a program?

(hands a program to a random guy)

MATT:
That’s pretty cool.

SORA:
It’s… a lot. She’s starting to give me a lot of information about our family and it’s nice but it’s…
not what I want you know?

MATT:
Then ask her dude.

SORA:
I don’t even know what I want to know.

(tone changes)

Hi, would you like a program?

(hands out a couple of programs)

It’s like, I have the answer in front of me but I need the riddle in front of me too, so I can understand what’s going on.

MATT:
You seem confused about a lot of things lately.

SORA:
How do you mean?

MATT:
Well, you and Stefan seem pretty close now. What’s going on with that?
SORA: (shrugs) I want to be his friend.

MATT:

(doubtful)

His friend.

SORA:
Yes, Matt, his friend. You know like the ones you have?

MATT:
I know what friends are, Sora. And you definitely don’t look at him that way.

SORA:
He’s… interesting. And nothing interesting ever happens in Mystic Falls.

MATT:
I’ll try not to be offended.

SORA:
Well, I’m here too, so don’t take it personally. We’re all boring.

***

SORA:

(Sora and Bonnie are still handing out flyers)

So, any new cool stories from your Grams?

BONNIE:
You know, I think you’re the only one who thinks my stories are cool.

SORA:
Well, if you’re a witch, that’s pretty cool.

(sees Bonnie’s doubtful face)

My mom told me that we are descended from a woman who assassinated the Japanese Emperor.

BONNIE:

(surprised)

Wow? Really?

SORA:
Yeah!

(hands a flyer to a guy)

Apparently the japanese monster, Kitsune I think, is based on our family.

(leans in to her)

We were the fiercest warriors in Japan.

BONNIE:
That’s pretty cool!

SORA:
So is being descended from Salem witches!

BONNIE:

(chuckles, shaking her head)

Thanks, Sora.

SORA:

(hands out his last program)

Of course, Bonnie.

(holds his hand out to Bonnie, noticing she no longer has programs either) (when she takes it, he drapes an arm around her shoulder.)

We can be from creepy families together!

BONNIE:
Sounds like a plan!

(giggles as he leads her to Elena)

ELENA:
Well don’t you two look comfy?

(The two realize they position they’re in, and seperate, both blushing)

SORA:
I’m… gonna get us candles ok?

(smiles and walks off)(he gets to a table with candles, taking 3)

DAMON:
You gonna get me one too?

SORA:
Your entire family has a habit of not making noise when they approach, don’t they?

DAMON:
Well I coughed a couple of steps back, but I suppose you weren’t paying attention to me.

(Sora, doesn’t react)

You and that little girl look comfortable together.

SORA:
Yeah. She’s a good friend.

DAMON:

(makes eye contact, using compulsion)

You should date her instead of going after my brother.

SORA:

(confused)

Is something wrong with your eye?

DAMON:

(blinks, confused)

Ah, guess I’ve just got something in it.

SORA:
You’re right though. I mean, I like Bonnie. A lot actually! And Stefan and Elena are a match made in heaven, not that I was actually into Stefan or

(coughs)

Anything.

(chuckles)

Thanks Damon!

(grabs another candle and pats Damon on the shoulder)

DAMON:

(observes his hands to see if there is a ring on Sora’s finger) (thin smile)

No problem kid.

SORA:

(smiles and walks off, rejoining his group, seeing that Caroline has joined the group)

I got you guys candles!

(passes them out, taking a standing position next to Bonnie)

You know, the comet won’t be back for another 145 years?

(he offers his arm for her to take it)

BONNIE:

(she takes it)

Yeah, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience.

SORA:
Yeah, which means that you can do a lot of things tonight, that not a lot of people will be doing.

BONNIE:

(cautious)

Like what?

SORA:

(thinks for a couple of seconds)

You could give birth!

(Bonnie chuckles)

CAROLINE:
Hello? Sex under a comet!

(everyone groans)

ELENA:
A wedding underneath the comet?

SORA:
A first kiss under the comet.

BONNIE:

(blushes)

That one sounds nice.

SORA:

(chuckles, then clears throat as Matt walks up and lights his candle. He smiles, turning to Bonnie to light her candle)

It does.

(he turns to see Stefan and Elena)(He gives a small wave and smile to Stefan before turning to Bonnie)

Let’s get a better view of the comet? All these trees are in the way.

***

SORA:
I will catch up with you guys later.

(lets go of Bonnie’s hand, still holding a lit candle)

Gonna stay out here a bit longer.

(the group walks away from him, and he sits down, looking back up at the comet)

STEFAN:
So you and Bonnie?

SORA:
Yeah. You and Elena?

STEFAN:
She actually thinks that everything between us is difficult.

(frowns)

SORA:
She’s just scared. I'll give her a pep talk.

STEFAN:
Thanks.

(squints)

I think. So where did this Bonnie thing come from?

SORA:
I was actually talking to Damon and he said it would be a better idea for me to direct my attention to Bonnie instead of--

(catches himself)

someone else. I figured it makes sense.

STEFAN:

(confused)

You're going to date Bonnie because it makes sense?

SORA:
Yeah. I mean. I like Bonnie. And Bonnie likes me.

(turns to look at Stefan)

And she understands me. And she makes me smile. And she's got a crazy family like me. And her life is changing like mine. So…

(takes a deep breath)

yeah. I'm gonna date her because it makes

sense

.

STEFAN:
You sound like you've got it pretty much figured out.

SORA:
I had from the candle table to right next to the gazebo to think it through. So yeah.

STEFAN:
Maybe Elena will figure it out.

SORA:
Yeah…

(looks at Stefan)

Just make sure you've got it figured out too.

(blows out candle and walks away)

***

[The Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 6:09 PM]

SORA:

(at a table with Bonnie, Caroline, Elena, Tyler, and Matt)

I bet I'm gonna see the comet again.

BONNIE:

(doubtful)

Right, you're gonna live another 145 years?

SORA:

(prideful)

Yep! I'm gonna live forever!

MATT:
Well it makes sense. You're already on track to be valedictorian. If anyone is gonna discover the secret to immortality it's gonna be you.

SORA:
I'll share it with you. 28 is a good place to stop right?

JEREMY:
Have any of you seen Vickie?

TYLER:
You're her stalker, you tell us.

JEREMY:
I can't find her anywhere.

TYLER
: She probably found another druggie to hang with. Sorry pill pusher, you’ve been replaced.

ELENA
: What’s with the pill pusher?

TYLER
: Ask him.

ELENA
: Are you dealing?

JEREMY
:

(to Tyler)

We’re really gonna do this right now?

TYLER
: Give it up Gilbert, she’s never gonna go for you.

JEREMY:
She already did. Over, and over, and over again!

SORA:

(squinting)

As your lawyer, saying that in front of her brother was probably the worst thing you could do in this situation.

TYLER:
It doesn’t matter, I doubt it’s true.

CAROLINE:
You slept with Vickie Donovan? I mean, Vickie Donovan slept with you?

SORA:
Don’t answer that.

JEREMY:

(ignoring him)

And I didn’t even have to force her into it.

MATT:
What the hell is he talking about, Ty?
SORA: (looks at Tyler) Yeah, what the hell is he talking about?
TYLER:

(looks at Sora, betrayed)

So now you’re giving up the whole lawyer shpiel?

SORA:
My client is the very obviously distressed, Mr.Gilbert right now.

MATT:
You know what, how about all of you shut up and help me find my sister?

BONNIE:
We’ll check the back.

MATT:
I’ll check the square.

JEREMY:
I’ll come with you!

ELENA:
Oh no, no, no! You are coming with me!

(pulls Jeremy away)

SORA:
I’ll go with you Matt

(follows Matt out)

You swing around to the other side and we’ll work our way inwards.

MATT:

(nods)

Will do.

(pauses before heading away)

Thank you, Sora.

(heads out)

SORA:

(holds off, looking at the door)(shakes his head when Jeremy storms out)(he moves to intercept)

Jer!

JEREMY:
Which way did Matt go, I can start checking the other side.

SORA:
Me and him are handling the square, but… You need to pull yourself together man.

JEREMY:

(annoyed)

I don’t need this crap from you too Sora, ok?

SORA:
Then stop thinking of it as crap Jeremy.

(forces him to make eye contact)

I’m not gonna lecture you, it’s not my place but--Hey!

(snaps fingers when Jeremy looks away)(intense)

This all stops, when you start listening. Now

(returns to his normal demeanor, a smile on his face)

let’s find us a drug addict.

(turns around and looks towards the crowd, placing his hands together, index fingers pressed together at his chin)

You start on the outside of the square, check shops to see if she wandered in. Sound good?

JEREMY:

(annoyed)

Alright.

(storms off)

SORA:

(sarcastically)

I’m gonna be the winner of several father of the year awards.

***

SORA:

(approaching his car)

Hi, Stefan.

STEFAN:

(leaning up against his car)

I was afraid that you had gone home, but then I saw this here and figured you were talking to Bonnie.

SORA:

(chuckles)

I gotta romance her for a bit before I ask her out you know? Can’t just have it come out of nowhere.

STEFAN:
You’re serious about this Bonnie thing?

SORA:

(leans against his car next to Stefan)

Aren’t you serious about Elena?

STEFAN:
I… don’t know anymore.

SORA:
I mean, what’s not to know? She likes you right?

STEFAN:
Yes…

SORA:
You like her?

STEFAN:
Yes…

SORA:
Then date!

(nudges Stefan off his car door)

It’s as simple as that!

(opens the car door)

STEFAN:

(holding the car door)

I like you.

(Sora looks at his car keys)

And you like me. So by your logic-

SORA:

(sadly)

It’s not the same, Stefan. You know that.

STEFAN:

(confused)

Why isn’t it the same?

SORA:
Because it’s a small town! People here aren’t nearly as open minded as they need to be. You and I just don’t make sense.

STEFAN:

(confused)

Why does everything have to make sense?

SORA:

(shrugs, tearing up)

It didn’t make sense for my dad to leave us.

(Stefan looks taken back)

It didn’t make sense for Elena’s parents to plummet off a bridge. It didn’t make sense for Matt’s sister to get attacked.

STEFAN:
What does any of this have to do with you and I?

SORA:
Because everything that doesn’t make sense, ends up tragic, Stefan! Whether it’s
an animal attack or someone leaving your life forever! I just don’t want to end up like Matt, or Elena, or my mother.

( sniffs and shrugs his shoulders)

So yeah. It doesn’t make sense. So we’re not gonna do that.

(He gets in the car and stares straight ahead)

Can we please forget this conversation happened? I like you, and so do my friends. And all of this would just make things too complicated.

STEFAN:

(is silent for a few seconds)

Ok. Be safe getting home Sora.

SORA:
Talk to Elena, Stefan. She’s a lot more amazing than I am.

(He closes his car door and
drives off)

Don’t do it… Don’t do it.

(he looks in his rear view mirror, seeing Stefan staring after his car)(He takes a deep breath, about to take his foot off the gas when he sees Bonnie, he instead pulls over for her)

Need a ride?

BONNIE:
Caroline is actually driving me.

SORA:
Nonsense!

(getting out of his car)

I’m a lot more fun than Caroline.

(offers his hand to her)

BONNIE:
You know, all of this flirting is coming from nowhere.

(she takes his hand anyway)

SORA:
Ms.Bennet, I haven’t the slightest clue what you’re talking about.

(leads her to the passenger seat)

I am a gentleman. I shall court you first!

BONNIE:
Chocolate for Valentines day?

(she takes a seat in his car)

SORA:
And flowers every Monday

(he closes the door, moving to the drivers side and getting in)

And if you’re nice, I’ll even introduce you to my mama.

BONNIE:

(giggling, shaking her head)

Dr.Akane already invited me over for a barbecue two months from now.

SORA:
Well then, Thanksgiving will be a breeze.

(winks at her)(he drives away, not looking in his rear-view mirror again)

***TRICKSTER***

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

s1:e3

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 12:30 AM]
SORA: (sitting at a table dressed in his pajamas, a coffee cup in front of him) I get that we are supposed to be special and all, but did you have to wake me up so early?AKANE: (paperwork is spread out in front of her) Your body requires a lot less sleep now.
SORA: (still tired) Two hours?AKANE: I was asleep for 30 minutes. (Sora squints at her) It’s something we can do. I’ve been pushing it, but usually I sleep only once a week for about the same amount of time as any normal human. I have however been procrastinating my work with sleep.
SORA: Well, (yawns) I’m the football manager and I have 28 boys I have to get to bring all their permission slips, and their uniforms, and their physicals, and I would hate to do that on 2 hours of sleep so… (rises to go back to his bedroom) AKANE: Begin on that then. Stimulating our minds allows us to overcome things that would overwhelm humans.SORA: And what is “us”.AKANE: I’ve already told you what we are.SORA: (confused) No, you gave me a story about our ancestor Inari who.. (trails off, realization dawning) was a kitsune. (he nods, feeling stupid) AKANE: Exactly. Now, (glances down at her paperwork) Jane Doe, mid-to-late teens, every time a guy asks her to do something she finds that she cannot resist him, what do you think it is?SORA: (grabs his backpack from next to the door, and moves to sit across from his mother) Daddy issues perhaps?

***

[Mystic Falls High School, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 8:02 AM]
SORA: (approaches Bonnie and Elena from behind, a cup holder full of coffee cups in his hand) Good morning! (he hands her a coffee from the tray) BONNIE: (giggles taking it) You got me coffee?SORA: Yeah! I had a lot of extra time this morning, so figured I would make a coffee run.ELENA: Did you finish everything for the football team?SORA: (handing her a coffee cup) Yep! Everything for the next couple of months is set out. I even found a replacement coach for when Mr.Tanner eventually snaps and ends up in a mental institution.
BONNIE: Look at you, figuring everything out! Good job!SORA: Thank you! Thank you! (bows) It was not easy. (looks at both of them) What were you guys talking about?BONNIE: Last night, Stefan and Elena kissed.ELENA: (not noticing Sora’s taken back expression) It wasn’t a big deal! But we are dating now, so it’s nice.BONNIE: And I’m telling her that she needs to take it slow! I mean don’t you think she should at least play the field a little?SORA: Definitely not. (Bonnie looks shocked while Elena chuckles) The next step is to obviously jump his bones. You know what? Skip that step altogether and just move in! Wedding is in June right? (stares into space, dramatically) I’m thinking the theme could be: Lilac!
ELENA: So you are on Bonnie’s side?SORA: I mean, have you guys even been on a date?BONNIE: Exactly!ELENA: Then let’s do a double date! You two and Stefan and I, tonight.BONNIE: (reluctantly) Tonight’s no good.SORA: I mean, I’m down. (pointing to Elena) Your place, let’s say 7?
ELENA: (excitedly) Sounds good!BONNIE: (still unsure) I don’t think so.SORA: Please? (pouts) BONNIE: (caving in) Fine, I’ll go.SORA: Awesome! (sees Stefan approaching, quickly) I have to go… do something for the football team!BONNIE: I am going to join you.SORA: Great! See you tonight! (he rushes off with Bonnie) STEFAN: (confused) They don’t like me very much.ELENA: They just don’t know you, Stefan. But (perks up), tonight we are all having dinner!
STEFAN: (walking next to her towards class) (notices that Sora has been stopped outside of his classroom by a couple of people he has never seen before) Sora is pretty popular huh? Don’t think I’ve been to a social event that he hasn’t been invited to yet.ELENA: (nods) Yeah. Before you, he was sort of the perfect guy of Mystic Falls.STEFAN: (chuckles) I’ve taken his spot?ELENA: Maybe. You gotta pad your resume.
STEFAN: (squinting) What am I up against exactly?ELENA: (thinking) Well, lets see. He’s the former quarterback turned football manager. Dances, sings, plays piano I think. He's also like, nationally ranked in Tae-kwon-do. He’s on track to be valedictorian. Him and Caroline are head of the dance committee.
His mother is beloved by all and so is he. Never had a bad relationship, (pauses) or any for that matter. He just flirts. Never thrown a bad party. His summers are always filled with fun. And now (holds up coffee cup) he brings coffee in the morning for his friends.
STEFAN: He’s quite impressive.ELENA: I’m sure you’ll catch up. Maybe you should join the football team!STEFAN: (opens door for Elena) Now that’s an idea!
***

[Mystic Falls High School Locker Room, Mystic Falls, Virginia]
SORA: (has an iPad with a
checklist, going over the supplies left over after all the team has gotten their gear) So, with the left over budget I can order a spare helmet and shoulder pads and still have more, but a fundraiser is due soon… (turns to see Stefan) Oh! Hello, something I can help you with?STEFAN: (gestures in the direction of the field) Um, Mr.Tanner told me that I should borrow some equipment for practice today?SORA: (confused) Are you joining the team?STEFAN: He’s letting me try out.SORA: (crosses his arms, stubbornly) Football tryouts were last spring.STEFAN: (chuckles) Yeah, I wasn’t here then.SORA: (sighs) Ok, well (moves around, gathering a helmet, jersey, shoulder pads, and a mouthguard) all of the equipment together is about $75 for the season, with another $300 if you don’t return it.
The athletic fee is $75 as well, however it’s not immediately due. You’re required to participate in every single fundraiser unless you are excused but, (places helmet in Stefan’s hand) it had better be a damn good reason. (sighs, placing everything else on the bench) Your physical is due before the first game, and that’s when you get a jersey number. Any questions?STEFAN: If you’re so interested in football, why don’t you play?SORA: (shrugs) I decided to take a year off. Besides I don’t want football scholarships or anything, I want something more, and management looks good on a resumé. (smug smile) Now get out there and get a concussion, Mr.Salvatore!STEFAN: (chuckles, shaking his head. He removes his shirt) So, dinner tonight?SORA: (looking down at his iPad, walking from locker to locker) Yep. Figure you and Elena could knock out the first date with me and Bonnie. Especially after you guys kissed last night.STEFAN: (slipping on his shoulder pads)
Is that jealousy I hear from you, Sora?SORA: (turns around, annoyed) When we are at practice or games, it is not Sora. (gets closer to Stefan, less than an arm's length away, he finally stops) It’s Forrester, Salvatore. (pulls the string in the front of his shoulder pads, causing them to slide off Stefan.) Now get ready and head out, I have a count to finish. (holds up the iPad for a second before turning around and resuming his task)
***

[Gilbert Residence, Mystic Falls, 6:45 PM]
SORA: (sitting at the counter, looking at his iPad) BONNIE: You explain it, last night I’m watching Criminal Minds, and a commercial break comes on, and I’m like “I bet it’s that phone commercial”. And sure enough, the guy and girl with the bench, he flies to Paris and he flies back.SORA: I know that one, they take a picture right?ELENA: (chuckling) See? That commercial is on a constant loop.BONNIE: Ok, well how about this: today I’m obsessed with numbers. Three numbers. 8,14,22. How weird is that?ELENA: (pauses and looks at her friend dramatically) Maybe we should play the lottery.SORA: (sips from a mug) (points, mug still in hand) Back off, I’m already bringing her coffee for those numbers!ELENA: (chuckles) Have you talked to your Grams?BONNIE: (exasperated) She’s gonna say it’s because I’m a witch. I don’t want to be a witch, do you want to be a witch?ELENA: I don’t wanna be a witch!SORA: I’ll take being a witch over whatever is going on with me. My mom has started this (holds up quotation marks) “training” and it’s going weird.BONNIE: How do you mean?SORA: Like today for example! I was energetic all day! I didn’t fall asleep in any of my classes, and I had all my work done!ELENA: Does her training involve you actually sleeping well?SORA: That’s just it! I’ve been awake since 12:30 this morning.
ELENA: (doubtful) Well that can’t be healthy.SORA: (remaining serious) I know! I should be incredibly tired, or have my blood at like 90% Redbull, but that’s just it! I still have enough energy to run a couple of laps and I wouldn’t even be phased.BONNIE: (worried) I mean, are you sure that’s healthy? Don’t psychos not sleep?ELENA: Yeah, there was that whole Russian Sleep Project where people stayed awake for a really long time.SORA: It’s nothing like that. My mom says because our brain works differently, shutting it off for even an hour gives us enough energy to last for days!BONNIE: (doubtful now) I mean… as long as you don’t feel tired.SORA: I mean- (doorbell rings) Forget it. (he rises, stretching) You’re not fooling anyone with those nice bowls!ELENA: (deadpan) Ha. Now, where are the serving spoons?BONNIE: Middle drawer on your left. (points) ELENA: (cautious, walks over to the drawer and opens it, withdrawing the serving spoons) Ok, so you’ve been in this kitchen like a thousand times.BONNIE: (annoyed) Yeah that’s it.
ELENA: (doorbell rings again) He’s here, don’t be nervous. Just be your normal, loving self! (Elena leaves to go answer the door) BONNIE: (staring at a drawer for a couple for seconds) Birthday candles. (Sora watches as she opens the drawer, reaching in slowly withdrawing a pack of birthday candles)(she looks up at Sora, obviously a little scared of herself) SORA: (looks just as scared)(he slowly raises his hands and makes a cross with his two pointer fingers, walking slowly. When she tries to talk he quickly shushes her. When he is close enough he takes the candles out of her hands and puts them back in the drawer, closing it.) We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.BONNIE: (nods) Good idea.

***
ELENA: (they all sit at the table, slowly chewing in silence) So did Tanner give you any problems?STEFAN: A little but he let me on the team so I must have done something right.
SORA: (perks up) Yeah, he got super upset because it cuts into our budget a little bit. I just told him we would host another fundraiser. (quiets down, poking his food) ELENA: Bonnie, you should have seen him today. Tyler threw a ball right at him-BONNIE: (quickly) Yeah I heard. (looks to Sora, who is preoccupied with stealing a noodle from her plate) ELENA: (sighs, looking up to Sora for help. He mouths the words “Her family”, narrowly avoiding Bonnie seeing him) So Bonnie why don't you tell Stefan about your family?BONNIE: (throws a look at Elena before looking at Stefan) Um, parents divorced. No mom, live with my dad.
STEFAN: Oh, cool.
ELENA: (both her and Sora look annoyed) No about the witches. (gets another look from Bonnie) Bonnie's family has a lineage of witches, it's really cool.BONNIE: (exasperated) I wouldn’t say that.
STEFAN: Well it’s certainly interesting. I don’t know much on the subject but I do know there was a history of Celtic Druids that migrated here in the 1800s.BONNIE: My family came by way of Salem.STEFAN: (surprised) Really? Salem witches? (looks at Elena) I would say that’s really cool.
BONNIE: (confused) Really? Why?STEFAN: Salem witches are heroic examples of individualism and nonconformityBONNIE: (more confident ) Yeah. Yeah they are. (Sora smiles at her)(the doorbell rings.) ELENA: (confused, getting up to answer the door) I wonder who that could be?BONNIE: (to Stefan) You know Sora has a really cool family lineage too.STEFAN:
(turns to look at Sora, realizing this is the first time the two have looked at eachother for more than a couple of seconds the entire evening) Really?SORA: I’m part of the Founding Families, and my mother moved here from Japan when she met my dad. (shrugs). We’re descended from samurai warriors. My mom explained it to me but I sorta tuned her out.
STEFAN: (frowns) I’m gonna go check on Elena. I’ll be right back. (he rises and leaves) SORA: Well… this is going well.BONNIE: Is that really what you think?SORA: Yeah! (smiles sarcastically before dropping it) No. Listen if we sneak out of the back right now we can probably catch the 8:30 showing of this really cool movie.BONNIE: Is it me? Am I making it bad. (Sora holds his fingers centimeters apart) I don’t mean to!SORA: Just be yourself! Stop worrying about your weird vision about Stefan and just relax. (he smiles and squeezes her shoulder) I’m sure everything will be just fine.

*** CAROLINE: I cannot believe that Mr.Tanner let you on the team. Ugh, Tyler must be seething. But good for you, I mean go for it.DAMON: That’s what I always tell him, you gotta engage!CAROLINE: Yeah, Elena wasn’t so lucky today. (reassuringly) It’s only because you missed summer camp! I don’t know how she’s ever going to learn all of the routines.BONNIE: I’ll work with her. It’ll be fine.SORA: I could also schedule a couple of refresher practices. It would take a little time, and the first game isn’t that far off...CAROLINE: (more to herself) Maybe we could just put her in the back.DAMON: You don’t seem like the cheerleader type, Elena.CAROLINE: It’s just ‘cause her parents died. (Elena stops drinking her tea. Sora freezes with a spoonful of cake halfway in his mouth, his face incredulous) Yeah, I mean, she’s just totally going through a blah phase. She used to be way more fun. (realizes her mistake) I say that with complete sensitivity.DAMON: I’m sorry, Elena. I know what it’s like to lose all your parents. As a matter of fact, me and Stefan have watched almost every single person we care about die.STEFAN: We don’t need to get into that now, Damon.DAMON: Oh, you know what, you’re right Stef, (sighs) I’m sorry. I mean the last thing I would want to do is bring up her. (makes a face, glancing towards Elena, before looking at Sora) SORA: At the risk of being completely shut down, who is “her”?STEFAN: An old friend, I would rather not get into now.SORA: (nods, rising) Ok. Um, I’m gonna go get more tea, anybody want a refill? (he takes Stefan and Bonnie’s cup)
DAMON: I will go put these in the sink actually. (takes Caroline's cup and exits with Sora) SORA: Um, at the risk of sounding like the prying friend, who is the “her”?DAMON: Oh, her name was Katherine. She was Stefan’s girlfriend.
(hands his cup to Sora)SORA: (placing his cup in the sink) How did she die?DAMON: A fire. Tragic really.SORA: (leans against the counter) What was she like?DAMON: She was beautiful. A lot like Elena, (continues, not noticing the look on Sora’s face) She was also very complicated, and at times, not very kind, but also very sexy and seductive.
SORA: (realization) So, did she date you or Stefan first?DAMON: You’re very smart. (picks up the kettle and holds it out, pouring water in Sora and Bonnie’s cups) Ask Stefan. I’m sure his answer differs from mine.
SORA: I’m sorry. (Damon looks confused) About Katherine. (he looks towards the living room) I don’t think anyone realizes that you lost her too. (Elena walks in, with Bonnie in tow) ELENA: I’m just gonna clean up the kitchen a little bit.SORA: I’ll help.DAMON: That’s my cue. I’m gonna go check on Stefan and Caroline, make sure they’re getting along. (pats Sora on the shoulder before leaving) What are you kids talking about in here?STEFAN: I was just asking her about her scarf.DAMON: Um, Elena and your other friends are finishing up in the kitchen, why don’t you check to see if they need help?CAROLINE: (chuckles) Do I look like I do dishes? (looks at Stefan and shakes her head) DAMON: (flirty) For me?CAROLINE: (pretends to think about it) Hmm, I don’t think so.DAMON: (using compulsion) Go help your friends in the kitchen.CAROLINE: I’m gonna go help them in the kitchen! (rises and walks into the kitchen) DAMON: Great idea!STEFAN: They aren’t toys for you to just play around with Damon, they are human beings! You can’t just order them to do things and feed on them whenever you want!DAMON: You see, actually, I can, because it’s in my nature. It’s part of what I am.STEFAN: All right, you’ve had your fun. You used Caroline. You got to me and Elena. You can leave now.DAMON: You see, at first I thought I had to get to just Elena. But I’m not as stupid as everyone else, Stefan. (he rises) You see I can tell that Sora, (sees the defensive look on Stefan’s face, smiles wickedly) that’s the real way to get to you.
***

[Bennett Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 9:30 PM]
BONNIE: It wasn’t a complete wreck, I suppose.SORA: (putting the car in park) So I guess you like Stefan a little more now?BONNIE: Yeah, (contemplating) I do. He’s not so bad. Guess my feeling was a little off.SORA: Well that’s good. (smiles at her, leaning his head back against the seat)
BONNIE: What about you? How do you feel about him?SORA: I always liked Stefan! I just felt like I was being too forward. (shrugs) Can’t be the cool guy if I’m desperate.BONNIE: Oh, yeah, definitely can’t have the oh-so-cool Sora Forrester wanting to be friends with the new guy.SORA: (chuckling) Actually, since the beginning of the school year, my new moniker is the cooler-than-you, Sora Forrester.BONNIE: (laughs) Thank you, Sora.SORA: You’re welcome! Why are you thanking me?BONNIE: For not making feel weird about everything. Things are starting to feel normal.SORA: (smiles, leaning in closer) Of course, Ms.Bennett.BONNIE: (she leans in closer as well. Her hands reaches up and cups his face before she closes the distance and kissed him) SORA: ( he kisses her back, pulling back to see Damon has taken the place of Bonnie. He yelps, throwing himself backwards against the window, waking up from his dream to see that his mother is taking his blanket from his body, gripping the blanket)(in a tired voice) What?AKANE: I’m building the perfect pillow fort in our living room, and your blanket will make a perfect front door.SORA: (sighs, releasing the blanket and leaning back to look at the roof) (his mother does not seem to notice his woes and resumes taking his blanket and a spare pillow at the foot of his bed, leaving his room. He stares at his roof, not noticing the crow at his window.)
***

[Mystic Falls High School Football Stadium]
SORA: (his signature iPad in hand, going down a checklist as he walks around the locker room, a jersey with the number “17” on it draped over his shoulder. He is wearing a t-shirt with four buttons, each one undone to expose his collar bones. both sleeves stop just below his elbows He is approached by Stefan , who is holding a bunch of papers in his hands)(smiling) Hey superstar! This, (pulls the shirt off his shoulder and hands it to Stefan) is yours, the second you give me your paperwork.STEFAN: (chuckles and exchanges the paperwork for the jersey) Nice shirt, lot of skin. (he places a little box on top of the papers) SORA:(still looking at his device) Thanks! Figured if I could seduce some football moms they might donate you know? (notices a little box on top of the paperwork) What’s this?STEFAN: A gift. You’ve made me feel welcome in Mystic Falls. So, thank you.SORA: Oh, thanks. (tucking the iPad under his shoulder he smiles and withdraws the necklace, noticing a small pouch inside, he sniffs it) What’s inside? Rose?STEFAN: It’s an herb, actually.SORA: (smiles at it fondly) Thank you. You mind? (He hands the necklace to Stefan, who moves to stand behind him) You know, I don’t think anyone has just randomly given me a present. Thanks. (he ignores the goosebumps that are caused by Stefan’s fingers on the back of his neck) Nervous for your first game?STEFAN: Excited actually. I can’t wait to play.SORA: Tackling a whole bunch of guys for fun! What’s not to be excited about?STEFAN: (laughs) Yeah. (finishes putting the necklace on Sora, who turns around to face him) Finished all the plans for the game?SORA: (admiring his necklace, much to the delight of Stefan) We’ve still got the pep talk for right before the game and Mr.Tanner’s speech before that. (shrugs, dropping the necklace)) But yeah. Everything is in working order.STEFAN: That's good. (the two sit in silence for a couple of seconds, they seem to look everywhere but each other) SORA: You should probably change into that, (gestures to the jersey) and get out there. Mr.Tanner will want make a spectacle of you.STEFAN: (nods) I’ll see you out there So- (pauses, smiling) Forrester.SORA: See you out there, (smiles) Salvatore.
***
SORA: (at his car, doing a balancing act with his iPad, a cooler, and a gym bag) (in a high-pitched voice) “I have to go warm up before the game. You used to be quarterback, you understand right?” (normal voice) Dicks. Buy them all sports drinks and they can’t be bothered to help me get them. (scoffs) DAMON: Need help?SORA: (flinches) You know, if I hang around you and Stefan enough, I think I might become immune to the jump scare.DAMON: (taking the cooler from him, watching as Sora gathers the gym bag and iPad) A lot of people say we walk a little fast. So fast people don’t really notice us till we’re right next to them.SORA: It’s more like you both just appear from thin air. (chuckles, leading Damon towards the locker room) You gonna watch Stefan play today?DAMON: Thinking about it, not too sure.SORA: Well, if not for him, then you should definitely watch it for historical purposes. (playfully) Mystic Falls might actually win a game.DAMON: (flirty, checking out Sora) I think I would be a bit more entertained if you were playing.
SORA: (nervous chuckle) I’m sure you would.
DAMON: Why did you stop playing football exactly?SORA: Oh, I got tackled really hard. Ended up passing out on the field. When I came to, I was in the hospital, afraid that I had a concussion that was going to stop me from sports all together.DAMON: And?SORA: And nothing. I was perfectly fine. Doctor’s said it was probably more of the shock of being tackled so hard that I passed out but I was fine. No broken bones, no brain injury, nothing.DAMON: That doesn’t really seem like a reason to quit football.SORA: I should have been hurt. I know it’s weird but before I passed out I was sure I felt something break.I could feel it. But then I wake up and I’m fine. (shrugs) Lots of kids football careers end in high school under the exact same conditions. Why am I the exception?DAMON: Maybe it was a second chance.SORA: Or a warning. (turns to look at Damon) Sorry, that got dark. I just didn’t want to risk it. It was a huge moment where I had to decide whether or not I wanted to go down that path. I ended up deciding not to, and now I can actually enjoy myself.DAMON: (getting closer to Sora) You’re very insightful for someone so young.SORA: (chuckling) I’m not that much younger than you.DAMON: Right. I’m just saying-SORA: I get what you’re trying to say. (stepping away) Thank you for listening Damon, but I should probably get back to the team I manage.DAMON: Ok. (seeming upset) Have I made you upset? I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. That’s definitely not my intention.SORA: Yes it is. Otherwise you wouldn’t invade my space every chance you get.DAMON: All right, you got me. It is my intention. But admit it, (stepping closer to Sora, causing the smaller male to retreat into the door, trapped) you sorta like that about me. You like a lot of things about me. You like when I get closer, you want me to, hell, I bet you’ve dreamed about it. (using compulsion) And right now, you want to kiss me. (Damon leans in, but is stopped when Sora looks away) SORA: Whoa, okay, (clears throat)
I don’t know if I gave you the wrong vibe or something, but I’m really not into it. (takes the cooler from Damon) I appreciate the help, you can go now. (Sora’s features have hardened) DAMON: I-SORA: You really don’t need to say anything else. (turns and opens the doors, walking inside quickly)
*** SORA: (standing next to Bonnie and Caroline, fussing over the sign) Allright, Tikki do you mind? Straighten the sign a little bit.CAROLINE: Can someone help Tikki? (she walks off towards the struggling cheerleader) SORA: (chuckles) Geez.
BONNIE: I didn’t see you at the little speech earlier.SORA: Yeah, I was busy getting harassed by Damon Salvatore. (shakes his head) I mean, it was really weird.BONNIE: Well, at least one of the Salvatore brothers isn’t bad.
SORA: So you like Stefan?BONNIE: Yeah. Elena’s plot to win me over completely worked. It’s good that he didn’t get hurt tonight.SORA: Why would he have gotten hurt?BONNIE: Oh, you just said you weren’t there. I guess Tyler and Jeremy got in a fight and Stefan got in the middle of it.
SORA: (annoyed) You’re joking right?BONNIE: No. Jeremy swung a broken bottle at him and I guess it missed.SORA: (sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose) The first game is always really rough. I’ve gotta go talk to Tyler now I guess. I will see you later?BONNIE: Yeah! I’ll see you after. (Sora walks away)
***
MATT: (walking with the rest of the football team back to the locker room, catches up with Stefan) You gonna be able to play?STEFAN: Yeah, I should be fine.MATT: What you did back there for Jeremy. That was good. You had his back.STEFAN: He’s just a messed up kid, someone’s gotta look out for him.MATT: I know. This week at practice I was a dick.STEFAN: You had your reasons.MATT: No excuse. (offers his hand to Stefan, who shakes it after a couple of seconds) Good luck tonight, we’re lucky to have you. (he walks off, Stefan staring after him for a couple of seconds) DAMON: (claps from behind Stefan) Stefan joins the team makes a friend. (Stefan turns around, annoyed) It’s all so, rah rah go team! Yeah! (throws a fist in the air dramatically) STEFAN: Not tonight, I’m done with you. (turns to leave but comes face to face with Damon again) DAMON: You know, I expected you to protect Elena, but Sora too? Let me guess: vervain in the necklace. (Stefan doesn’t reply) Gotta admit, I was a little surprised, it’s been a while since anyone could resist my compulsion. Where did you get it?STEFAN: (moving past him) Does it matter?DAMON: Guess it doesn’t. I could always just seduce her the old fashioned way. And eat him.STEFAN: (stops, and turns around) You see, you’re not gonna do any of that, Damon.DAMON: No?STEFAN: No, because deep down inside, I know that there is a part of you that’s feels for them. I was worried that your humanity was lost and that you may have actually become the monster that you pretend to be.
DAMON: Who’s pretending?STEFAN: Then kill me.DAMON: I’m tempted.STEFAN: No you’re not. Because even after 145 years, I’m still alive; and here you are. Lifetimes later, still haunting me. Katherine is dead! And you hate me because you were in love with her. And you torture me because you still do. And that, is your humanity.
MR.TANNER: (coming out of the locker room) Salvatore! What the hell are you doing out here? We got a game to play!
DAMON: If that’s my humanity, then what’s this? (His face changes and he rushes to attack Tanner, biting him and draining him of blood. When he is finished he drops him and turns to look at Stefan, his eyes still red and blood running down his chin) Any one, any time, any place.
***
SORA: (angrily, walking into the locker room) Where the hell is Lockwood, and where the hell is Salvatore?TYLER: What’s up, (sarcastically) Forrester?SORA: Did you get into a fight tonight?TYLER: Yeah, so?SORA: You’re benched.TYLER: Whoa, whoa, whoa, you can’t bench me!SORA: I just did. You signed a contract stating you would maintain A’s and B’s, and would also avoid fighting. You broke the rules, you’re benched. (turns to walk away)
TYLER: (following him) Come on, Sora! You can’t bench me over a silly little fight!SORA: Was he bleeding?TYLER: What?SORA: Did. You. Give. Him. A. Bloody. Nose?TYLER: Yeah, so?SORA: And you’re fine, not even a scratch. Which means you started the fight, you didn’t try to end it. You’re benched. No questions. You can try again next game.TYLER: This is bullshit Sora!SORA: So is attacking a 15-year-old, Tyler!TYLER: (As Sora leaves, Tyler punches a locker) SORA: (He walks outside, upset and cursing under his breath. He notices a body laying off to the side, bleeding) Somebody help! (30 minutes later, the ambulance wheels Tanner’s body away, and Sora sits in the back of a truck, staring down at his iPad) (Matt approaches him) Hey! So I’m contacting the other coach I had in mind to see if he can make it here in time for our next game. (he sniffles, wiping his nose) And uh, he thinks he can, so we can probably just schedule a rematch for this team later in the season! (Matt looks offended) Yeah, the coach sounded like you looked.MATT: I’m just surprised that he’s not even buried yet, and you’re already trying to replace him.SORA: (he falters, visibly sagging. He clicks the button to the iPad, switching it off) I just… I can’t stop working. Cause as long as I work, I don’t have to think about how pale he looked. (Matt seems to understand, and he softens. When he opens his mouth Sora holds up a finger) I’m ok. Or at least I will be. (he clears his throat and slides off the truck) For now, inform the team that practice is going to be canceled next week, but the next it will continue like usual. Mr.Tanner wouldn’t want us to falter. (Matt starts to object but sees the look in Sora’s face, before nodding.) Thank you, Matt. (see’s a car pull up, and he slips the iPad into his bag.) My mom’s here, so, goodnight. (He moves past Matt and gets in the car)
AKANE: (cautiously, examining him) Are you ok honey? They said you were the one who found the body.SORA: Surprisingly, yeah. (he looks at her) I was staring down at his body, and even though I called for help I already knew he was dead. And all I could think was “I need to contact the new coach and get him here right away”. (he looks down) Is that normal for… us?AKANE: (nods, smiling sadly) Often times our brains will busy itself in order to keep from bad emotions, like grief. (she reaches out and cups his face, rubbing her thumb gently on his cheek) In time you will learn to allow yourself to feel these emotions, it just takes practice.
SORA: (nods) There’s something else.AKANE: What?SORA: I don’t think it’s animals attacking people. (Akane stares at him warily) I mean, first of all the wound on his neck was really small. And that’s another thing: why and how is this animal getting to his neck without scratching or biting any other part of him. I saw him and it was only the neck. You would think he would have at least swatted at the creature and gotten a wound on his arm or hand!AKANE: Sora…SORA: And Vickie Donovan! She didn’t have a scratch on her at all. Also these animals aren’t doing anything to eat the people? Just bites and leaves. I mean maybe he heard me approaching and ran off but he had plenty of time to take another bite out of Vickie!AKANE: (more seriously) Sora…SORA: (he has sat up in his seat and is now staring at his hands as if they hold pieces of a puzzle he is putting together) And why was it so close to the school? It’s not exactly near any major hunting spots for any type of animal, and the noise should have scared him off too!AKANE: Sora! (Sora silences and stares at her) It doesn’t make sense, because it isn’t an animal attacking all of these people. (Sora looks confused) It’s a vampire. (Sora sits back in his seat, staring ahead, Akane also turns to look straight ahead, driving away) Vampires have returned to Mystic Falls.
***TRICKSTER***

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

[Salvatore Manor, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 7:01 AM]
SORA: (his eyes open suddenly and he looks around, and notices a figure sleeping next to him. He smiles, and leans over to kiss the figure on his cheek) Good morning Mr.Salvatore.STEFAN: (smiles, waking up and turning over to embrace him) Good morning Mr.Forrester. (he leans in to kiss Sora, who turns away, giggling) SORA: Morning breath. (he rotates his body away from Stefan and gets out of bed) I’m gonna let in some light ok?STEFAN: Ok. (looks down at his hand, realizing his ring isn’t on his finger) Wait! (it’s too late, Sora throws open his curtains, shining light on Stefan who instantly begins to burn. He quickly throws himself against the wall.) SORA: (turns around, realizing what’s just happened) I knew it! I knew you were
a vampire!STEFAN: Wait, Sora please! I can explain!SORA: You’ve been the one killing everyone. (he reaches into his bedside table and withdraws a stake, approaching Stefan) STEFAN: Sora, no! That wasn’t me, please just put down the stake and let’s talk! (Sora is now only a few feet ahead of him. Stefan reaches towards him but his hand burns as it touches the light, causing him to withdraw it to his chest.) SORA: You’re a monster! (he moves forward quickly and drives the stake into Stefan’s chest) STEFAN: (doubles over in pain, gripping the stake as he screams)(He sits up in his bed, realizing that it was only a dream and he is actually in the Salvatore Boarding house. He checks his chest to make sure he hasn’t been stabbed) DAMON: (sitting at his desk, staring at a chess board) Bad dream? (Stefan looks annoyed) Do you know how easy it was to get in your head? You really need some human blood. It might even the playing field. (looks up, a mischievous glint in his eye) Football reference! Too soon? (Stefan uses vampire speed to rush to a table, grabbing a letter opener off it and throwing it into Damon’s chest. Damon looks down at it, unflinching) (rises from his seat, withdrawing the dagger from his chest) I deserve that. But I just wanted to let you know: they caught the culprit. (Stefan looks confused) Yeah. Really big mountain lion. The headlines read “Deadly Mountain Lion finally dead, Mystic Falls Safe at Last!”STEFAN: Why would you
cover your tracks?DAMON: You see, (flashes a wicked smile,
approaching Stefan) I'm just having too much fun with you and Sora here! Decided I might like to stick around a little bit longer, see how the little Forrester measures up to his family's name. (stabs Stefan in the stomach) (Stefan groans, cradling the wound) This is John Vervatos dude! Dick move. (walks away, examining his shirt)(Stefan removes the dagger with a groan)
***

[Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia,7:05 AM]
SORA: (sitting at the table across from his mother) So, a vampire can force their will onto you. It's called “Compulsion” but we can resist it?AKANE: (nods) Indeed. Compulsion is using magic on a weak mind, however because we already possess magic and a strong mind we are immune.
SORA: (nods, poking at his oatmeal) So… are we going to talk anymore about the fact that they're here? Or why?AKANE: Mystic Falls sits atop many ley lines. They are drawn here because of the extreme focus of magic in those lines.
SORA: Were you drawn here because of the magic?AKANE: (stiffens, reluctantly) I sometimes think so. I left home because coming here sounded like a good idea. I didn't know why.
SORA: ( nods, looking down) Do you know who they are?AKANE: I have an idea, however I cannot be sure.SORA: Are you gonna tell me? (he sees the reluctant look on his mother's face, disbelief) You're not?!AKANE: Not yet, Sora. I need to be sure. The last thing I need is to be wrong and for you to act.SORA: What happens when you figure out who it is?AKANE: (casual) I deal with it.SORA: (shocked) By yourself?AKANE: Eventually you will be able to help me Sora but unfortunately you can't do anything to help right now.SORA: (exasperated) I'm nationally ranked for Taekwondo! Every sensei at the last tournament said that my skills were probably the strongest they've ever seen!AKANE: They were human. And they watched human fighters. You are entering a brand new world Sora. Things are different.
SORA: I want to help!AKANE: Help by becoming stronger, Sora. That's all you can do now.SORA: (defeated, stares at the table, wringing his hands)(after a couple of seconds he straightens his back) I levitated getting out of the shower last night.AKANE: Really? Tell me about that. (leans in, happy that her son is willing to change the subject himself) SORA: It was like a second, but I swear, my feet weren't touching the ground when I got out. Sorta like…
***

[Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 11:37 AM]
MRS.LOCKWOOD : (sits across the table from Sora, both dressed casually, Sora’s iPad in front of him) The Forrester Collection?SORA: (takes a sip of lemonade) He left a couple things, the musket and dagger are still with us though, so we should be able to lend you those. You know my dad had them both restored however?MRS.LOCKWOOD: (nodding) Yes I remember he brought it up. I like that, it makes them look like they used to back then. Will you bring them by so we can look at both before we put them on display? Along with the vestments?SORA: Of course! (he looks over the iPad again, sipping a cup of tea) MRS.LOCKWOOD: (she takes a deep breath, leaning in) How are you doing Sora? Tyler tells me that you were the one that found Mr.Tanners body.SORA: (shrugs) My moms a psychologist. It's a lot easier to work through things when she's around. (he looks at the iPad again, changing the subject) You know my mother’s policy on signing things, yes?MRS.LOCKWOOD: She’s a thorough woman. Should we sign now?SORA: Better wait until I actually drop them off.MRS.LOCKWOOD: (nods) Is uh, Tyler gonna play this season?SORA: (sighs) That's up to him Mrs.Lockwood. He’s a great guy and an awesome player, but I can't have him fighting a 15 year old kid.
MRS.LOCKWOOD: I understand, you've just gotta give him another chance. (reaches out and grips Sora's hands, he looks up) SORA: (finally sighs and nods) We are forfeiting the next game, but Tyler will play the one after.MRS.LOCKWOOD: (beaming) Thank you so much, Sora.SORA: Please talk to him Mrs.Lockwood.
MAYOR LOCKWOOD: Sora! (approaches with Tyler in tow, gives a kiss to his wife as he sits) So what's going on with the season? One big forfeit?SORA: (squints, tilting his head) Well it would be a little rude to just bring in a new coach right away, given the circumstances. But I have an interview with the guy I was hoping would take over in… (checks watch, his eyes widen) 3 minutes. I gotta go! (finishes the last of his drink, packing up all his stuff, he shakes the Mayors and Mrs.Lockwoods hands, giving Tyler a passing pat on the shoulder as he heads out.)(On his way out he sees Bonnie and Caroline enter) Hey! Nice to see you guys as always?CAROLINE: Oh perfect! Sora could take you to the founders party!BONNIE: Sora doesn’t want to take me to the Founders Party.SORA: You, in a nice dress, arm looped in mine while we brag to our parents about our various achievements? What’s not to love? I’ll pick you up! (he kisses her on the cheek, already moving past her) Let me know what color your dress is so I can get a matching tie!BONNIE:
(sarcastically) Well that was romantic.CAROLINE: Well he got the date didn’t he? God, he’s sort of a genius.BONNIE: (shaking her head as she sits down) You still shouldn’t go with Damon though. He’s dangerous!CAROLINE: He’s not dangerous though! He’s just got some issues. Like major deep rooted drama.BONNIE: (tilts her head) Like…CAROLINE: (thinks about it for a second) I’m not really supposed to say anything.BONNIE: Caroline Forbes, when have you ever kept a secret in your life?CAROLINE: (smiling) OK. But you can’t tell Elena!BONNIE: (agreeing) No.
***

[Mystic Falls High School, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 12:03 PM]
SORA: (driving answering his phone) Yes, Mr.Salvatore?STEFAN: (chuckling) I just called to make sure you were ok.SORA: Actually, last night I died. Terrible car accident, I got beheaded. Lots of blood, tears. Not me though, because I was dead.STEFAN: I get to give the eulogy at your funeral right? (he ties on one shoe) SORA: Indeed, tell them I was a great man.Then tell them I was 6 foot. I’m dead, they're not gonna call you a liar.STEFAN: Your memory will live on forever in my heart.SORA: You honor me. You’re going to the Founder’s Party right?STEFAN: Yeah, I’m taking Elena. Are you going?SORA: Yeah, I’m taking Bonnie. I have a couple of things I have to drop off for the party here in a bit. My family were part of the original founders. The Salvatore’s were also part of the founding families weren’t they?STEFAN:Um, yeah, they were. You pay attention in class a lot.SORA: Indeed. Did Mrs.Lockwood ask you for any family heirlooms? (gets out of his car, rushing) STEFAN: I think that my (hesitant) uncle dealt with all that.
SORA: It’ll be cool learning about your family! I’ll make sure to give you the tour through my family's timeline.STEFAN: I look forward to it.SORA: I have to interview the new coach like… now. But I’ll see you and Elena at the party, ok?STEFAN: Can’t wait.SORA: Ok, bye! (hangs up the phone, rushing into the office) Hi, I’m so sorry I’m late! I’m Sora. We spoke on the phone! (offers his hand) PRINCIPAL: Mr.Forrester is the student body president, and is also the football manager. He wanted to meet you as well.ALARIC: It’s nice to meet you. (he takes Sora’s hand) I’m Alaric Saltzman.
***

[Lockwood Estate, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 3:07 PM]
SORA: (has Bonnie on his arm) You look fine Bonnie, seriously stop fretting.BONNIE: (adjusting her dress again) Are you sure?SORA: Bonnie Bennet if you (holds up air quotes) “fix” your dress one more time, I’m going to yell at you.BONNIE: Sorry, just a bit self conscious.SORA: (confused) Why?
BONNIE: Well, is this like our first date?SORA: Our first date was with Stefan and Elena, remember?BONNIE: (disappointed) Right…SORA: (casual) Our second date is next weekend? At 6?BONNIE: (perking up) Oh? Are you asking me out on a date Sora Forrester?SORA: Are you saying yes?BONNIE: (nods) Of course.SORA: Oh ok, then no I’m not. (chuckles when Bonnie smacks him in the arm) Hello Mayor Lockwood, (shakes Mayor Lockwoods hand) Mrs.Lockwood! (hugs her)

***
STEFAN: (approaches Sora, who is staring at the Forrester Family vestments) The Forresters are pretty deep rooted in this town.SORA: (turns around, a champagne glass in his hand) Indeed. We were one of the Founding Families. The Forresters never got into politics or anything like that, but we were pretty big in the town decisions. We also own a lot of land in town. Lots of power behind the words of the Forresters. (he chuckles) The last Forrester left town, and people started dying.STEFAN: (confused) Aren’t you a Forrester?
SORA: (chuckles) I don’t think I count.STEFAN: Why not?SORA: (shrubs) I barely know anything about my family. People have their history handed to them in journals and awesome stories and family secrets and heirlooms. And I have this (he stares at the Forrester display behind glass) A museum exhibit. (he focuses on his reflection in the glass) I don’t even look like a Forrester. I’m like one of those suburban moms who’s related to George Washington’s great aunt or something.
STEFAN: (nods) I’m sorry you feel that way. But… (he looks at a picture of a male named Samwell Forrester) Samwell Forrester had green eyes and dark hair I believe. It was a trait that was said to skip a generation. His father and son didn’t have it but his grandson did. He was also incredibly charismatic. Every man wanted to be his friend, every woman wanted to be his lover. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?SORA: (chuckles) You know more about my family than I do.DAMON: (approaching with Elena and Caroline) The original Salvatore brothers were friends of Samwell Forrester. Stefan Salvatore used to write in his journals about the man.SORA: I forgot the original Salvatore brothers were alive at the same time as Samwell. Giuseppe Salvatore pretty much erased them from the History books. Or at least he tried.
ELENA: Why? (Sora and herself don’t notice how uncomfortable both Stefan and Damon seem to be) SORA: (shrugs) Fathers disowned their sons for a lot of stupid reasons back then; didn’t love the right girl, said something mean to them, (looks briefly at Stefan before returning to Elena) loved a man. (he shrugs as Bonnie comes to join them) The town archives mentioned a woman staying with the Salvatore’s who turned out to be a union sympathizer. She might’ve been the problem.
DAMON: I’m impressed. You seem to know a lot about your history.BONNIE: Sora bet Mr.Tanner that by the end of the year he would know more than him when it came to History.
SORA: (excitedly, a smile on his face) I spent the entire summer in the library and town archives just trying to find something that Tanner didn’t know. (he chuckles, looking down at his glass, remembering what’s happened) Now I guess I won’t know. (he chuckles awkwardly) That got dark. I’m gonna go get some air, yeah that sounds good. (he passes the glass to Bonnie, planting a quick kiss on her cheek) BONNIE: (concerned) You ok?SORA: (quickly) Yeah. (he leaves with a nod to everyone) DAMON: (confused) Is he alright?BONNIE: (nodding) Yeah, he was the one who found Mr.Tanner’s body.
ELENA: How’s he doing with that?BONNIE: It helps that his mother is helping him cope.
AKANE: (approaching) Who’s mother?
BONNIE: We were just talking about you. Stefan, this is Sora’s mother.
AKANE: (offers her hand) Dr. Akane Forrester.
STEFAN: We met briefly the other night.
AKANE: Yes, you’re the friend that stayed in the guest bedroom, right? (smiles) You’re very neat, thank you for making the bed before you leave.
DAMON: Leave it up to Stefan to leave a good impression by cleaning. (offers his hand to Akane) Damon Salvatore.AKANE: (tight smile) A pleasure, I’ve heard about you from Sora. (she doesn’t take his hand, instead placing her own hand on her clutch) DAMON: Good things, I hope.AKANE: (tilts head, in a challenging tone) Have you done anything good? (Damon and Akane don’t say anything, instead staring each other down.) BONNIE: (clears throat) How is he doing?AKANE: (nods, pursing her lips) He’s keeping busy. I normally wouldn’t condemn keeping busy while coping with emotions,but in Sora’s case I think it’s good. When he’s allowed to his thoughts he figures things out. (she makes eye contact with Stefan) We’re lucky he’s not out there, (her gaze flicks to Damon) trying to hunt down the animal himself.ELENA: The animal was actually caught, Dr.Akane. This morning.AKANE: (nods) Was it? (she looks at Damon and Stefan) I’m gonna go hunt him down. It’s a celebration! He should be happy! And you, (taps glass in Bonnie’s hands) should get rid of that before Sheriff Forbes makes her rounds. (she smiles sweetly, before leaving).
***
SORA: (staring out at the lake) Is it someone who’s here? (doesn’t turn to look at his mom) AKANE: (folds her hands) Yes.SORA: Is it Stefan and Damon?AKANE: (curious, squinting her eyes) And what is your reasoning?SORA: The attacks began shortly after they both arrived in town. Stefan is almost nowhere to be found whenever an attack happens. And every couple of years throughout history a Stefan and Damon Salvatore return to Mystic Falls and death follows.AKANE: It is them. I-SORA: I want to talk to Stefan myself about it. (he looks down, then across, seeing Stefan dance with Caroline) He’s my friend, I want to hear him explain.AKANE: You will have to be careful, Sora vampires are-SORA: Dangerous, I know. (he looks at Stefan, who has managed to get a drink for Caroline) I don’t think he’ll hurt me. (his eyes wander over to Bonnie, clearing his throat) I should stop being sad and return to my date. (he walks away before his mother can talk again)
***
SORA: Boo! (rubs Bonnie’s shoulder) Everything ok?BONNIE: Yeah, (looks at the smoking candle) yeah, I’m fine. Are you ok?SORA: Yeah! Sad part of the night is over, now onto the part where you tell me why this candle (grabs the candle) is scaring you.BONNIE: It’s nothing. (Sora doesn’t look convinced, so she sighs) I’m pretty sure that I lit that candle with my mind.SORA: (looks at the candle) This one? (she nods, and he looks at it before chuckling) I’m sure that you’re fine, this candle is just (waves hand, the candle lights) weird…BONNIE: (staring terrified , leans over and blows it out) Did I do that?SORA: I… don’t know. We should do something else?
BONNIE: Like what? (she seems on edge, as though nothing could distract her.) SORA: (stands abruptly, look around) Dance! We could dance! Like right now, away from the demon candle! (he flicks the candle, knocking it over quickly.) BONNIE: (she looks confused but stands with him walking on to the dancefloor)
SORA: (he twirls her and pulls her in closer, swaying back and forth slowly.) BONNIE: I’m afraid of all the changes going on. (she looks down at her feet) It feels like things are going to change and they won’t go back to normal.SORA: (he frowns, nodding ever so slightly) (he’s felt the same feeling for a while now) Well I guess that you and I, Bonnie Bennett, will go through it together. (he pulls her in closer) I promise.BONNIE: (she smiles at him, leaning closer. The two lean into each other until their lips connect. They kiss under the chandelier lights in the middle of the dance floor as music plays gently.) SORA: (they break the kiss and press their foreheads together, Sora smiling at her as they rock back and forth) That was… (he notices Elena storming away from Stefan. Gestures to them) Trouble in paradise?BONNIE: I should go help. (she turns and gives him a quick kiss before rushing off)
SORA: (he looks and sees that Damon and Caroline have disappeared, Stefan has approached him) You and Elena gonna be ok?STEFAN: I don’t know… Damon has… he’s started this problem between us.SORA: Isn’t starting problems sort of his forte? His special gift?STEFAN: (chuckles as the two idly walk towards the small lake) He is indeed a troublemaker. But all of that should be dealt with soon. And you and everyone else will be safe.
SORA: Dealt with? (he looks confused) What do you mean?STEFAN: You don’t need to worry about it, Sora.SORA: ( he bites his lip, holding something back) Be safe, Stefan.STEFAN: Sora! (Sora stops and turns and looks at Stefan) How are you and Bonnie?SORA: (thinks about it) We’re good. Sparks are flying, candles are being ignited by said sparks, and we even have an actual date planned. (he shrugs) So… a lot better than you and Elena. (he winks as Stefan looks perplexed) My advice buddy: the secret you think is so well kept is already on the streets of Mystic Falls. And somebody knows. (Stefan seems to catch on to the undertones of Sora’s words) Eventually somebody is going to tell Elena. And it’s not going to end well for you.STEFAN: And do you know? This secret?SORA: (he nods once) The Forresters are very deep rooted in Mystic Falls. Even if I’m only half a Forrester, I still know everything that happens in this small town. (he passes by Elena, walking back in to the party)
***

[The Forrester Residence, Mystic Falls, Virginia, 3:28]

(The two Forresters circle eachother, each holding a bokken. Instead of their typical sparring gear, the two are dressed more casually. Sora has a busted lip, and a bruise on his cheek, and Akane has a bruise on the opposite cheek.)
AKANE: Now that Stefan knows, how do you think he’ll react?SORA: He’s going to hide for a couple of days. Things will become awkward (he blocks a flurry of attacks that his mother throws at him) Until eventually they climax into a confrontation. (he parry’s a blow from his mother) After which (he dodges) We will attempt to maintain our relationship with him being what he is. (he catches Akane’s sword with his own and the two push against each other) AKANE: (clearly confused) You still want to be friends with him?SORA: (panting under the pressure of the weight his mother is putting on him) Of course, I wanna be friends with him. (he pushes back, forcing her off him, beginning his own counter assault) And if what you say is true, then more like him will come, if they’re not already here. And I’d rather have more allies than enemies.AKANE: (easily deflecting his attacks) So just because you’ve got a little crush on him, you think that he’s not an enemy? (Sora trips, and she smacks him on the back, sending him sprawling) SORA: (grunts, standing up) Stefan’s not a bad guy. And I don’t have a crush on him. I like Bonnie!AKANE: Sora, you’re feelings-SORA: My feelings have nothing to do with this. Stefan’s good. That’s all there is to it.
(Akane offers Sora a hand and he takes it, grimacing as he rises with a groan. The pair sink back into fighting stance. Akane's eyes flicker a bright green, the action imitated in a smaller more subtle form in Sora's eyes. Both of their wounds slowly fade away as the sound of the Suzu fountain sounds.)
SORA:
(voiceover)
Maybe there is actually something to that witch side to you Bonnie, because everything changes from from here on out.

***TRICKSTER***