LTVS: God Damn Witches

*Do not read beyond **this point** if you want to avoid being **spoiled!***

***Layla the Vampire Slayer* episode**

RandomTuesday

Bentham

*"God damn witches."* - Barnaby Davidson

**God Damn Witches** is the forty-third episode of Layla the Vampire Slayer and the twenty-first episode of Season 2.

## Synopsis

It is now mid May. The Charity-tracker has stopped working since they returned from Tunisia. Layla's patrols have had no trace of her, and it becomes vaguely normal. The vampires appear to be without leadership and are easily taken down.

Ned Phillips is still in hospital under observation. He is tired and drained when Robert visits him. Robert tells Ned he's feeling better about things and asks how he is. Ned says he's really confused. Robert sits next to him and tries to explain things about their "job", and the risks involved. Robert explains they're trying to handle it, and usually they do okay. They do what they can. Ned says they couldn't save his family. Robert says that he lost his mother in a similar situation; Ned assumes Robert's mother just ran off. Robert explains his parents were demon hunters, and one time only his dad came back. He explains they sometimes don't get the monsters in time. Rob tries to Ned he knows what's it like to lose a mother, and does know what it's like to gain a brother, to feel the opposite.

Ned is confused, and Robert asks him to take his word for it. Ned accepts it and thanks Robert for saving him repeatedly. Robert assumes that the giant hole in Ned's life was exploited by Gluttony, and Robert reassures Ned that it's gone now. Ned says he'll go vegan. He asks why Robert was so angry. Robert explains that the monsters can do horrific things; at a critical moment, he was angry, and it got in. Ned doesn't understand it, but accepts it. Robert says everything will be more obvious now, and recommends he stay out of harm's way and let them know if he sees anything so he can help. Robert tells Ned the world will be different for him now, and the past has to be left behind. He says Ned can consider himself and the others his friends, considering all that's happened to him. Ned starts to say he can't talk to Rob at school, but admits he owes him that much. He says he'll stick up for Rob, and that he's okay. Rob wants to make sure he's okay. Ned asks what to do with Social Services. After mentioning that robot parents aren't the solution to everything, Rob says he'll look into it. He explains he's better with computers than anyone should be, and offers his services in this regard. Ned asks whether Rob breaks the school rules. Rob admits reluctantly that he does break some of them - but he does keep to the dress code. Ned figures he's never seen him like that. Rob says it's to help with fighting monsters. Ned asks whether getting girls is a good reason. Rob is noncommital.

Ned asks whether Rob can find his father. Robert didn't know about his father and asks for details. Ned says that his father was really strong and amazing, before disappearing a few years ago. His mother said he ran off with another woman. Ned suggests that demon stuff happened. Rob agrees to look into it, and Ned will text him the details. He'll have to text them to Barnaby, and he asks Rob how Barnaby is. Ned thinks he's been weird lately. Rob chalks it up to being "busy". Ned tries to get information out of Rob now that they're "friends", but Rob is noncommital again and Ned thinks Barnaby is Layla, or Imogen, or many people. Rob says he's glad that Ned seems to be in better spirits. Ned says he has to, otherwise they will try and find his parents. He says he doesn't know how he'll get back into good spirits if he doesn't keep it up. Robert suggests that Ned doesn't have to try and be manly all the time, and hopes he'll be okay. Ned says that during kindergarten, he has memories of Barnaby being like that as well. Robert considers relaying his version of events, but suppresses it. Ned affectionately calls Rob "Four-Eyes", thanks him and says he's okay. Rob reminds him they're around if he needs them. Ned asks whether they're like the Ghostbusters. Robert says yes, and tells him to have some rest.

Barnaby works on his book and Violet. He's about 3-5 chapters in with his book. The others notice that there is a slight change in Violet. She dyes her hair a lighter shade, an attempt at mousey brown. She wears thick-rimmed glasses on-and-off, and walks around with the same, large book. When Barnaby occasionally studies with Imogen, she asks him why Violet is attempting to look like her. She asks whether Barnaby's noticed that. He asks what if he did. He digs his own grave and Imogen calls him an idiot. Imogen says that Violet looks like herself before her sister got a hold of her. She asks whether Barnaby said something to Violet. Barnaby asks what he could have possibly said. She doesn't know. Imogen asks if he told her she likes that kind of stuff. Barnaby doesn't think he does, and asks what to do. Imogen tells him to talk to her, or she'll do. Barnaby asks her to talk to Violet for him. She refuses, saying it would end badly.

Barnaby questions whether he should ask Violet to stop. Imogen becomes uncomfortable and moves away from him. Imogen asks whether Violet pretends to be her and grows increasingly disgusted, confused and concerned. Barnaby doesn't want to talk to Violet alone. Imogen suggests Barnaby needs to figure something out about himself. He asks whether it's creepy for two ex-demons to bonk. Imogen says she doesn't really care that they're ex-demons. Barnaby thinks, and says to himself that the dress-up makes sense now out aloud. Imogen packs her stuff up and hurriedly starts to leave, walking into the temporary librarian who also makes a hasty retreat. Imogen says that she doesn't believe that Barnaby has a crush on her, and tells him to figure something out about himself.

After avoiding the topic for a week, Violet has tried even harder in her attempt to copy Imogen, even carrying around a black cat plushie. Pre-coitus, Barnaby broaches the subject. She asks if he likes her hair. Barnaby admits he's into it, and appreciates the effort, and she looks great (obviously), but they are bad things. He says she looks likes Imogen. Violet says she thought he likes Imogen. He admits he does, and that doesn't stop him from liking her. He says he's had a lot of fun with her in the past, and asks Violet to stop with the Imogen thing. He says his feelings for her and Violet are different. Barnaby says he doesn't want to hurt her, but felt they were more of a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Violet is withdrawn. Barnaby says he's had a crush on Imogen for a long time, but it's become background noise. He says he doesn't want to add a further burden for Imogen after the Layla thing. He says he likes Violet and asks her to say something before he does something stupid.

Violet says he already has. She asks about the time he called her name. Barnaby tries to refute this, failing horribly. Violet agrees to dye her hair back. She says she has a headache and needs to rest. She tells him to "do a spell" by himself. He says he's used to it. He apologises. He tries to tell her not to be like Imogen because she's awesome in her own way, and that looking like Imogen wouldn't be an improvement. He asks her to imagine he said that nicely. She asks him to imagine she did this nicely, and telekinetically lifts him up, and throws him backwards through the wardrobe. Barnaby exclaims that they weren't going to do spells. Violet says that it was telekinesis, not a spell, and leaves. He curses witches.

Violet decides to hit on Imogen. Imogen is in the library with Janet and they see Violet coming. Janet makes a quick escape to the workshop, saying she'll be back if she hears explosions. Violet, with newly-died black hair, comes up to Imogen and announces that Barnaby has a crush on Imogen. She apologises for trying to look like her. Imogen, unnerved, tells her to sit down and asks if Violet's okay. Violet says she threw Barnaby into a wardrobe. Imogen says that the worst she did to him was drop a bucket of water on his head. Violet says she's not ssure if she hurt him. Imogen asks why Violet did this. Violet says that Barnaby implied that he would enjoy the sex more if she was dressed like Imogen. Imogen asks whether that was actually the case, and whether Violet asked him beforehand. Violet returns Imogen's spare pair of glasses and recommends she washes them. Imogen asks if Violet's okay. Violet says that she likes the attention, and is confused by the level of attraction Barnaby has for her. Violet says that Barnaby seemed to enjoy the sex more when she was role-playing Imogen and reiterates that Barnaby has a crush on Imogen. Imogen avoids the stuff on crushes and asks whether Violet enjoys it.

Imogen tells Violet it's normally considered weird to have someone pretend to be another person. She says that Violet should have probably asked Barnaby, or Barnaby should have asked her. Imogen says that if they were happy, then it's fine; if they weren't, then not. Violet asks for help with boils. Imogen is initially reluctant, but agrees on condition of secrecy. Imogen says there are other ways of getting attention rather than sex. Violet suggests that there's a hole in the group dynamics now that Imogen and Layla have broken up, and that Imogen and Barnaby should get together. Violet asks about the seemingly-functional relationship between Janet and Rob. She's confused about the lack of physical intimacy in that relationship. They figure that Janet and Rob working together in the workshop is their idea of a date. Violet then goes on to say that Imogen and Layla's idea of a date was staying in their room, and that she could hear them quite loudly. Violet insists she didn't watch, and didn't intentionally listen.

Imogen says that Violet's put herself in danger more often for them, and that she deserves their help and friendship. In doing so, she mentions that Violet has been less vengeful. Violet is not sure what to feel about that. Imogen states that being a powerful witch is not exclusive with being a demon. Violet suggests that others are intimidated by Imogen's power. Imogen says "good". She moves on to saying that Violet's not a bad person, but old-fashioned and has 200 years of habit. Imogen says thanks to Violet for helping. Violet asks whether Imogen would be interested in having sex with Barnaby. Imogen hurriedly leaves.

A few weeks later, Violet has yet to do the boils spell and walks into Barnaby and Rob's room. She declares to Barnaby that either they cna go back to having sex or he can have sex with Imogen. Barnaby asks if he has to make an immediate decision, and whether it is an "either/or thing". Barnaby is confused and aroused. He suggests they go on a date. Violet recalls the "friends with benefits thing". Barnaby denies that he wants to date Violet-roleplaying-as-Imogen. He suggests a date to figure out things between them. Violet says it's become more complicated and says she needs to think about this. he stops her from leaving and asks what that means. She says she'll talk it through with the girls. Barnaby tells her not to talk about the Imogen thing or else he'll revoke the offer of a date. Violet is speechless for 30 seconds before she turns into a rabbit and hops away. He decides to follow her to make sure nobody steals her, but loses her quickly.

Layla trains under George Davidson more. Her Watcher is a bit more reserved now, and gives Layla her space. After one session, he asks if she's okay. She says she's trying to be, and hasn't really spoken to anybody. He offers her lemonade. He asks whether she's spoken to her friends. Layla says that they seem to be busy, which is good. They briefly discuss them. Layla thinks Janet's a nice girl; George doesn't quite believe Baranby's "doing magic", but feels whatever's going on with Violet is his choice. Layla admits she spoke to Imogen, but doesn't know if it was better. George says it'll take time, Layla asks how long. He can't answer that, but advises her to do it before either of them is dead. Layla asks how, as she doesn't want to make it worse. George suggests he can call Imogen over and let them chat. Layla thinks that Imogen doesn't want to be in the same room as her.

George says that "to do nothing is the only way to fail". He suggests it's worth trying. In the worst-case scenario, a couple of sandwiches go stale. Layla smiles a bit and agrees. George calls Janet's house and says she needs her to come over and get something. She agrees, though she suspects something. Layla asks whether he should have told her she was there, and George says there was something related to magic that he needs to talk to her about. When Imogen arrives, he tells her that Layla wants a word. Imogen frustratedly asks was that all. George says he has something to ask, but that's for afterwards. Imogen sighs and says she hates adults. She goes in and sulks in the sitting room, where Layla is.

They awkwardly eat sandwiches for a bit. Layla apologises on George's behalf. Layla wants to know whether Imogen is ready to talk. Imogen says it's mostly just painful. She says Layla made a choice, which was one shit did not like and didn't agree with. She says they can't go back, as she can't trust that Layla won't do the same thing again. Imogen states that none of them asked Layla to be alone. Layla accepts that, but says that the Watchers' Council expects that of her. Imogen points out their track record. Layla asks what if she promises to tell them everything. Imogen says she hopes that she will, but she doesn't need to promise, only to do it. Imogen says that the Watchers' Council has done nothing for them, and in all respect to George, he isn't really a Watchers' Council person. She asks what power it has over Layla. Layla tells Imogen about past Slayer Nikki Wood, and is looking back at past Slayers to see how she's doing. Imogen says that being alive and stopping evil are the main objectives of being a Slayer. Between the other three, they're just about a Slayer by themselves, so they can defeat more evil.

Layla says she agrees with her. Imogen is stunned. Layla explains how Nikki had a family, and how things between her and Imogen could work. She admits that perhaps it's better to have friends. She'd never be happy with any of them being hurt, but accepts it's their decisions, and she can only be there for them. Imogen quietly nods. It's all she asked for, and they know what they're getting in to. They'd rather fight evil than let it destroy her. Imogen says that perhaps it'll hurt less eventually, but she'll still be by her side. Imogen awkwardly pats Layla. Layla awkwardly places her hand on Imogen's hand. George walks in and tries to make a hasty exit, but Imogen asks him what his magic question was. He says that Barnaby wants to know something about undoing a fraction of a binding spell. Imogen goes help him translates it for Barnaby. Using this information later, Barnaby easily understands the spell, and can pronounce the spell even though it's in Sumerian.

As Imogen about to leave, Layla stops her. Layla tells Imogen about the suggestion to bring in a kill-team. George says that they might be trying to capture her instead of killing her. Imogen is against it; Layla is concerned about what Charity's doing. Imogen asks Layla what happened during the memory spell while George beats a hasty retreat. After a back-and-forth, Layla admits she made out with Charity. Imogen surmises that either Charity ran off in shame or is planning. She considers the kill-team a last resort. She suggests they try and talk to Katherine beforehand. Layla offers to help. Imogen suggests that if they are out of options, the kill-team would be useful. But she doesn't want Charity in the hands of the Watchers' Council, especially if she is Lust. Layla agrees. saying she felt the same way. Imogen admits she doesn't touch the Watchers' Council. Layla says she'll talk to George about his experiences, and that she'll talk with Rob, Barnaby and Janet. Imogen suggests they just meet as a group. Layla moves forwards to give a hug out of habit, and the situation becomes awkward. George gives Imogen a lift back home.

A few days later, Imogen is in the library by herself. Violet comes in and sits in front of her, fidgeting yet saying nothing. After coaxing, Violet says that Barnaby told her to not ask advice from her, but she wants to ask advice from her. Imogen conspiratorally leans in and says that Violet could talk about a hypothetical friend who has a problem. Violet quite clearly wants to talk about the Violet-Barnaby-Imogen thing. Violet, in a roundabout way, says that Barnaby asked her out on a date, but she is uncertain whether he'd prefer Imogen, and is trying with Violet because he feels he have to. In a roundabout way Imogen asks whether Violet is interested in a date with Barnaby. Violet is hung up on the "friends with benefits" thing, and Imogen suggests they go on a date to figure out what they want. Violet is concerned she may throw Barnaby into a wall and modifying the "cat's got your tongue" spell for a different part of Barnaby's anatomy. Imogen starts laughing before saying that's bad. Violet also tries to hold back a chuckle. Imogen suggests they go on a date; if they aren't into it, it can just be two friends hanging out. She tells them to be honest with each other and to try not to hurt the other. Before she leaves, Violet asks for help with her tie and it gets steamy for a bit as Imogen stares deeply into Violet's blue eyes (in a mostly platonic way). Violet says she see why others fancy her. Imogen beats a hasty retreat (again).

Later that night, while Rob and Barnaby are getting ready for bed, Violet barges in and announces that she's ready to start having sex with Barnaby again. Rob places his face in his hands. Barnaby introduces Violet, and Rob remarks that he has met Violet before. Violet remembers to not tell others about the bedroom tango. Barnaby tries to correct her and she mentions her role-playing Imogen. Robert is disconcerted and asks whether he should leave. Violet announces that Rob and Janet aren't having sex. Violet says "bye" to Rob and he finds his way to Janet's house. Violet announces to Barnaby that she has decided that she will allow him to take her out on a date, on the condition of a lesson that Rob taught her "long ago". She produces glasses and a wig. Violet says that it's only fair. Barnaby, in a huff, puts the wig on and announces that they're going on the date now. Violet tells him to put the glasses on, and he does. She takes a photo with Barnaby's polaroid. She says he can take it off, and says that's fair.

Violet announces that she's turned a corner. Barnaby tells her to go. He takes her to The Alley. A smell of spilt beer, bodily fluids and the body odours of many different demons comes over them as they enter. It's not particularly busy. Barnaby buys her a drink and asks if she feels more comfortable here. Violet says yes, as there are "demons and stuff". Barnaby is relatively comfortable too, due to his past. he wonders whether they have an ex-demon policy. Violet mentions that in her day, they all got drunk on gin, as it was dirt cheap. Barnaby asks when that was; Violet huffily says that you don't ask a woman her age. Violet reluctantly says that Queen Victoria was in power, and kicks him under the table. He asks whether she needed a lot of vengeance done; she says he'd be surprised.

Barnaby goes up to the bar and impersonates a demon to buy a drink. The bartender asks if he's sure about the order. After Barnaby asks for Flugengaber (?) Doubles, the bartender rings the bell, announces it to the bar and everyone cheers (in a suitably British manner). He puts two thick, syrupy-looking liquids before him. There are faint bubbles appearing in them. Violet uneasily downs it. Barnaby chugs it in one. It burns for half a second, followed by a soothing cold sensation like spearmint with a non-painful nettle rash. There is a prickling sensation down his throat. Barnaby says it was really nice. Violet agrees, and suggests they go back to his place. She grabs his collar and kisses her; he returns the kiss. Barnaby tries to stop her. Violet says she wants him. He tries to figure out whether their relationship is jsut about sex. He tries to get her to let go of the demon stuff. She says she doesn't want to let go of him. He loudly asks whether she wants the bonking or the relationship (with the bonking included). The bar patrons snicker. She says she doesn't know and just wants him, starting to unbutton his top. He ends up topless.

Barnaby tries to get him and Violet home. If they don't make it, he says there are bound to be bushes somewhere. Violet says she's a better idea and drags him to the toilets. She starts to unbutton his trousers before she triggers the portal to the Alley dimension. It takes about five seconds for the crowd to turn their eyes on them. Violet throws up on the floor next to Barnaby, but the vomit is tar-like and on fire. A long while later, Barnaby is helping Violet home, and puts her in her dorm. He goes back to his dorm and passes out in Rob's bed. Rob has returned from Janet's and haplessly tells him to go to the other side. Barnaby smells of vomit and brimstone. A bewildered Robert asks what's going on. He tells him to go to the other bed. Barnaby rolls out of bed, onto the floor, to the other. Rob gives him a glass of water and asks whether it went well. Barnaby says that Violet tried to have sex with him when he was trying to talk. Rob says that Barnaby presumably wants it to be about more than just the sex. As Barnaby drinks the water, Rob notices thick black smoke coming out of Barnaby's mouth and falls to the ground. Rob looks in fascination, wondering how his brother is still alive. He suggests that Barnaby try again.

Barnaby says that he overheard Janet saying he has a reputation. He says he didn't know that. Robert asks if Barnaby remembers being a demon; he does. Robert tries to explain that people have different memories of him, which has caused Barnaby to develop a reputation. Rob suggests to Barnaby to figure out what his relationship with Violet is. Barnaby says that the fact that Rob has a girlfriend is incredible (for him). Rob says he's still working that out, and that they're both learning - in different directions. Robert tells him to be careful about the smoke, and remarks he's getting better at redecorating homes. Barnaby explains that the wardrobe was also Violet, and apologises for it. Barnaby says he hates that wardrobe (after Bak'tarbe locked him in there). Rob surmises it must have been somewhat cathartic. Barnaby passes out, smoke still trailing out of his nose. Over time the smoke dissipates, leaving a slight tarry sheen. Barnaby makes meowing noises as he snores. Robert tries to go to bed.

Imogen, Janet and Rob get on rather well and fix up Janet's house. Barnaby helps when he can. Janet gets her robot-parents back up and running and introduces them to Rob and Janet. They seem like relatively normal people aside from the fact that they shut down at Janet's command. Imogen isn't that helpful but comments that it's a bit odd. She ends up discussing Bur'nakk with Janet. Robert tells Imogen how people don't remember the same things as he does. Imogen suggests it's people rationalising their memories, while Robert is concerned about memories being changed or overwritten. Rob feels that he has to and will remember. Imogen thinks it would be best to remember both, and states they don't know what The Child's intent was. Imogen is a bit irritated at people making deals with extremely powerful beings, and calls Rob smart for not (voluntarily) doing so. Robert is concerned at how he prefers the old past. Imogen reminds him that the old past shaped who they are and their relationships. They're friends with Barnaby because of what he became, not because they've known him for the entirety of their lives.

Rob mentions he's checked the photo albums, and they've all changed. His father too, has forgotten. Imogen asks how his father thinks his mother died. On the one hand, at least Barnaby couldn't be blamed for killing Alice Davidson. Robert points out that Bak'tarbe is still around. Robert suggests that everything is trying to converge together with the fewest changes. Imogen tries to offer what reassurance and advice she can. She also asks whether Rob and Janet have been on a case yet. Rob doesn't know, but says they're happy. Imogen's glad for them, and says someone has to be. Robert tries to press her on that, but fails. He hopes that she'll be too. Imogen states that things are confusing, and "more triangular" than she had expected. She tells him about talking with Layla, and Layla's moving past the part about them helping her. Robert can understand Layla's feelings after being Wrath, and the desire to not endanger their friends anymore. He admits that he wasn't as extreme in trying to do so. Imogen says that they all need to understand that the path with the greatest chance of success is working together, and that she herself could accidentally mess up reality without intending to. All of them have the possibility of causing trouble, or getting them out of it.

Robert says that he's always reminded of how all of them came to help him when he was Wrath, despite what he did to them. Robert thinks he'll try and talk to Layla about that point of view. He's still a bit hung up about his potential involvement in Imogen and Layla's breaking up. Imogen doesn't think it'll be the same, but it'll get better. Imogen asks Rob about the talking to the dead. He figures that the only way to talk to them is to not actively seek them out. He considers himself a "call centre for the dead". Rob hopes it'll be okay, and perhaps he'll not have to rig up an apparatus to Heaven again. He hopes that's contained somewhat. He may not be in the business of making deals with powerful beings, but is in the business of messing stuff up with superscience. Janet brings up the breezy hole Layla and Barnaby found at the site. The three get a taxi there and tell the cabbie to wait.

They point out the dead grass and take a look around the place. Rob seems to notice pearlescent white with streaks of dark shadow in it streaming down from somewhere in the sky. It's rather painful to look at. Looking at it fuels a fealing of absolute dread. Imogen sees and hears every blade of grass dying. Some of the energy seems heartening and warm, but the darkness is filled with hate and despair. There are forms within the consuming darkness: beings, something primal and evil. Not all are coming down, but a small cloud of them circles around the start of the beam, and every so often, one goes in. Each and every one is the true form of a horrifically evil being. Imogen freezes in terror, unable to even scream, and realising the enormity of their mistake. Rob's trying to figure out, then Janet tells him about Imogen. They try to talk to her, but she's catatonic. He tells Janet and they try to move Imogen away, though she can't look away.

Janet takes out a small semi-spherical bit of metal and places it next to Imogen's eye. She presses down on it and it starts to glow faintly. Imogen suddenly goes limp. Janet explains it's meant to stabilise a wounded person. They hurry to the taxi and try to leave. The taxi driver suggests they take Imogen to the hospital, and Robert fails to convince him. As they near the hospital, Janet takes the thing off Imogen's head and she reawakes. She asks where they are. She looks at Rob and even he can see they made a huge mistake. She still fails to convince the driver to not take them to the hospital. They walk into A&E and Imogen calls Barnaby. She asks for a lift to his dad's, and tells him to get the entire team on board. Barnaby gets Layla and tells her what little Imogen told him. Violet is a bit stunned, but they eventually grab her. They pick up the others at the hospital. Layla rushes out of the car and asks what happened.

Imogen is a bit shell-shocked. Rob explains what he can and they bundle in the car. Imogen, still shell-shocked, needs Layla's physical help to get in. In the car, Imogen thanks Janet for the help. They enter the Davidsons' house and tell George they're here. They are approached by the six cats that live there. Imogen doesn't sit down and says she doesn't know how to explain. She tries to, nonetheless. She tries to conjure an illusion to display what she saw. It takes her some time, due to the horror Imogen went through, and can't fully represent it either. She guesses that primordial evils are getting into Heaven. She thinks they're worse than the ones they've already seen. Barnaby figures, based on the information they've obtained, that they're either the spiritual aspect of demons or the non-corporeal forms of true demons. Imogen emphasises that they need to close the hole somehow.

The TV, which was on at the time, changes as an emergency broadcast comes on announcing massive explosions in Oxford. An entire building went up, and there are apparrently no survivors. Imogen has an inkling that it might be the Watchers' Council, and guesses it was Charity. Barnaby is surprised at Charity's decision to go after them now. Imogen surmises that's why she wasn't around. They know Charity (and potentially Katherine) had issue with them, but are concerned about the timing. Imogen keeps watching the news, as her sister is in Oxford. Robert calls his dad in. George turns slightly white. He figures he should report in. When questioned, thinks that every operative should report in so that they can know who's available. He goes off to make a phone call. Layla tries to listen in.

Imogen learns that the building was a Victorian building, and half-demolished, probably by a car bomb. Other buildings were hit, but the damage was less significant. There was some damage to passers-by. One of the explosions sent glass flying in the high street. The University's buildings appeared to not be affected. George wants to take his call privately, in order to keep his code words secret, just in case. He asks Layla to leave, but she tries to listen in anyway from outside the kitchen. She hears him refuse support, and a delay in a report (presumably on Charity) that he'll send in an hour. He comes out and asks if she heard all that; she's a bit predictable. She shrugs. He takes her aside and tells her he didn't finish the report on Charity as they were waiting on Layla's decision to call in a kill-team or not. Layla decides not to. He says he'll send in the report and delay it as much as possible, but they'll send a team eventually. She nods. He leaves them to write the report, and indicates where the Ouija board is.

As he goes upstairs, Layla tries to figure out what number he called, but can't get it from the phone. She does see a piece of paper under the fridge. It has the number, but it is encoded with George's family's important dates (3rd digit: add Barnaby's birth month, 4th digit: add Barnaby's birthday, 5th digit: add the (last) marriage anniversary before Alice died). Layla copies it and pushes the paper back. Layla looks at their family photo album, and tries to figure out the (date) of the number of the anniversary as the others are discussing how to deal with the Heaven situation. Rob asks what if someone else had breached Heaven but consequently plugged a hole in it. Barnaby tells Layla that's a photo album. She finds some wedding photos and gets the date. Imogen walks off and tries to phone her family to get information on her sister, Charlotte. They tell her that her parents were in Oxford, and that Charlotte's in the hospital in surgery. She gives them Barnaby's number and the Davidsons' number. They tell her that Charlotte sounded alright, and was near a glass window that blew out. She was conscious but asking for her fiancé. Her arm was rather cut up.

Imogen asks her grandmother whether she knows anything else. Her grandmother says she cast some bones, and got an impression of a blonde lass, who was going through some weird emotional turmoil. She also tells her that part of her is also not responsible. She tells her to be careful of blondes, and that she's sorry that Imogen and Layla broke up, but she's not blonde, so she's fine. Imogen looks at Layla, who still has blonde hair after dyeing it to go to Tunisia. Imogen tries to reassure herself and goes to the others. She proposes a séance, and they all agree to it. Robert mentions that he's failed to contact Katherine via his spirit medium thing with technology. As Rob looks at the news broadcast, he can see people standing around inside the cordon. There are a variety of people, many in tweed waistcoats and suits. He offhandedly remarks to the others that he assumed it was just voices. He tells the others that he can see dead people, that they look like Watchers.

They start the séance. The lights dim, and all of them start chanting, Violet and Janet included. They spend half an hour, but nothing happens. There is no response, no sign of any connection or supernatural response. Imogen and Robert look at it with the Sight. They can tell that the Ouija board seems to be functional. From her friendship with Violet, Imogen is pretty certain that, based on how the magical energies are moving around it, that it is functional. She tells them that Katherine can't be contacted. Layla surmises that she's trapped. Imogen suggests that either re-insouling or killing Charity would free her. Imogen says they should find out where Charity is before they re-insoul her, so that Charity doesn't get killed. Rob figures they need to lure her here somehow. Perhaps a gathering of Watchers; if they were all here, then the likelihood of her taking them out one-by-one would be less likely.

Robert is highly in favour of turning her. At the end of the day, she can decide what is done to her. Barnaby is uncomfortable with moving spirits, and that it's not what they do. Imogen says her decision's based on their intent. If it's to give Katherine a choice, it could still cause Katherine to go after the Watchers' Council. Robert suggests that Katherine's beef with the Council may have gone with the Council's destruction. Imogen is against making Katherine suffer. Violet agrees with Imogen, but also thinks that a vampire Slayer would be really cool. Imogen asks what makes Charity special enough for it. Layla thinks that Katherine has a lot of knowledge that would be useful, that she could help the cause, and Katherine would want that. Robert asks how they'd kill Charity if they were to go that route. There's hardly anything "normal" about her. Barnaby says it would be straightforwards and asks that if they knew Katherine, would they want to re-insoul her. Layla says yes immediately; Rob demurrs based on where she is currently. Imogen tells them about what her grandmother told her.

Imogen is uncertain whether the other part of "the blonde" her grandmother described corresponds to Lust or Katherine Winters, but hypothesies that Katherine's stuck in some kind of Limbo until the vampire is dusted. She points out that their séance seemed fine and that she's probably not in one of the conventional places of rest for the dead. Layla says she feels like she has a connection with Katherine, even if she's never met her. Barnaby says that it feels like all the others want to do it; he won't stop them, but he'll help protect them. He points out that he became against it the moment James said he wanted to stay where he was. Robert states that the only reason he wants to do this is because he doesn't think Katherine is there. Imogen doesn't think it's a good idea, but a necessary one. Barnaby is for fighting, as they understand fighting more than souls. Layla says that Charity seriously wounded Imogen twice and toyed with herself. Barnaby says they don't have to convince him. Layla says it's fair.

Out of the corner of his eye, Robert sees more people on the screen now. One of them is slightly different. In the foreground is a hand is put up to the TV, and he notices a faint outline of blonde hair and a familiar face. The hand nearly comes out of the TV, before it's gone. Robert leaps over to the TV and tries to put his hand against it. He recognises it as James. he tells them, and Imogen suggests that they've fallen out of Heaven. Rob winces with every mention of it and when he opens his eyes, everyone in the TV is looking at him. They start walking towards the camera, and he shuffles away. One by one they step out of the TV. A terrified Rob tries to tell his friends; they wave around and fail to grab anyone. He grabs onto Layla. Most of them are scowling at him. They accuse him of being the reason why they can't go through to the other side. They're dismissive of him and not particularly helpful. They accuse him of a lack of information. Layla says that they need to help them. One of them upeends his pipe over Layla and asks them what they need. Rob says that they need to understand the mechanics of Heaven and how to plug the hole.

The Watcher, self-satisfactorily, notes that they're asking for help from the Watchers' Council now. Rob says he wants to make things right. Despite snarky comments from behind him, the Head Watcher tells him to call 012 24 46 12 04. Robert repeats it for everyone. The Head Watcher tells him to tell the people on the line "Brimstone". Robert asks what that will do. The Watcher tells him that'll activate the other part of the Council, and they should give them access to the Library. The Watcher considers it "acceptable" after Rob says he'll tell the others about Charity. He says that the Slayer and Agent Davidson will be given access to one of their Libraries. Robert says thank you and says he'll do the best to help them cross. The Watcher asks whether he's a spirit medium. Robert can't answer. After a bit, he asks why they only send one person to look after the Slayer. He says it's tradition. Layla and Imogen explode at it in the background. Barnaby asks aloud how they can afford such expenses. The Watcher says they have a well-paying patent on Velcro.

Robert tries to thank them for their help. Barnaby insists that they have their dad, which is enough. The Watcher realises that they're the Davidson brothers, and says that their father's reports on them have been lacking as well. A Watcher in the background mentions that they're a failed experiment. They awkwardly leave through the television, and Rob turns it off. Rob tells them what he heard; Layla recognises the number as being basically the one she was trying to crack. Layla goes to call the number. The operator on the other end responds for Watson & Crick Dry Cleaning. Layla says "Brimstone" and she gets put on hold. After a back and forth, Layla admits she's the Slayer. She is fed words by the others and tries to get access to the Archives, "to fix their problem". The guy on the other end asks who she's with. Layla demands to get the information. Imogen urges Janet and Rob to trace the line to somewhere in Cambridge. The operator demands to speak to Agent Davidson. Layla has a go at them.

She says she's trying to help them, but needs access to their Archives. She says that if she knew what she was looking for, then she would have found it. The operator says he'll call her superiors on her. Robert suggests they tell them about the Hole in Heaven, but Layla points out their obstinacy despite the direness of the situation. Janet points out that they're probably a bit confused and had some of the people they know died. After Layla tries to retort, she says that Layla's people skills could do with some work. Barnaby retorts that so could Janet's. She apologises timidly. Imogen is indignant and smacks him. Rob yells at him. Layla goes to speak to George, but smacks Barnaby and tells him not to speak to Janet like that. Imogen and Rob tell him it was rude, since Janet was being honest, and Barnaby reads a book in a huff. George asks what's going on. Layla tells him everything. George puts his face in his hands and says that's why he fills in the reports. He asks why they need the Archives. Layla tells him in full about the Hole in Heaven. George says he didn't know Rob could do that, but says he'll get them in. George warns them that when someone dies, it can be tempting, but there's a natural progression of life.

Layla tells them about re-insouling Katherine. George didn't know that, and says they don't know where the soul goes after becoming a vampire. George says they'll be able to get her into the Archives to research, but it'll be tough. Layla will need to say sorry to them. Layla refuses to apologise to them, and George tells her to take it as a punch, so she can get up stronger the next time. He recommends she talk to Barnaby or Imogen to learn how to lie and say sorry. He says he'll make a phone call and they'll have to leave soon. She says she'll do whatever she needs to in order to make it right. He tells them it's a fact of their job. She says she's learning. Layla leaves off mumbling and swearing. She tells them she has to apologise. Barnaby chuckles, and she tells him to cut it off. Layla tells them what they're going to do. Imogen is surprised they never told him, and thinks they need to learn to trust people more sometimes. They realise the amount of stuff they need to tell him. Layla apologises to the Davidson twins, and says she hasn't had the best experiences with Watchers in the past. They understand.

Imogen and the others insist on going, but George says the others can't. Layla pissed them off enough that the others can't come. Robert figures that only Watchers, Slayers and Affiliate Witches and Warlocks (of a particular grade). Layla tries to make excuses for the others, but George says they're not affiliated. Imogen tells Layla to stay safe, as Charity's probably where she'll be headed. Layla hugs everyone (Imogen awkwardly hugs back) and tells them to be careful, and to take care of each other. She says she knows they can. Layla tells Barnaby she may need to text him for support, and tells Rob that if he gets more "events" with the Watchers to let them know. She goes to hug Violet, who whispers in the ear that she thinks that Imogen might "like" her a little bit and needs to talk about it. Layla becomes uncomfortable and confused. Violet says she hoped Imogen washed her glasses. Imogen mumbles that she needs to get new ones. Layla leaves with George.