Jeremy gets a break from the mysterious new history teacher, Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis - Blue Crush). Damon reveals to Stefan the stunning reason he returned to Mystic Falls.

Damon, Alaric and Elena reach a hidden cage in the secret tunnel beneath the Lockwood mansion. Alaric studies the runes and primitive pictures, which indicate it was the home of an ancient Viking family, who interacted with the Original werewolf, vampires and witch. They confront Rebekah, who is shocked to tie it up with her memories of her family's youth, when their father Mikael, now the only hunter they truly dread, bullied his sons, especially Niklaus, leading in interaction with the originally friendly werewolf neighbors to family drama and the origin of vampires. After taunting Stefan, Damon releases him from Lexi's 'aversion therapy' and takes him along to seek Mikael's help. Alaric and Elena work out that Rebekah's memories don't take account of a last, crucial cruel twist.

With the fate of Mystic Falls at stake, Stefan and Damon must fight their greatest enemy for one last battle.