Damon returned from 1994 on The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 6. After a hugging it out with Stefan, he gave him an abbreviated explanation for where he's been and set out to see Elena. But first Stefan had to break it to him that Elena compelled away her memories of him.

In Alaric's words, she loved him so much it was killing her. She couldn't take the pain anymore. Damon was pissy, but he at least wanted to see her. When Elena finally agreed to a face-to-face Damon was tranquilized by Tripp's little army and taken to the truck where Enzo was.

When Elena realized something was up, she called Alaric and everyone sprung into action. They met by the road leading into town and Alaric created a diversion, but Tripp wouldn't fall for it. He sprung into attack but Tripp floored the gas and now Damon, Enzo, and Ric were all over the border. Stefan bravely saved Damon and Enzo, but Jo actually got to Ric before he could go back.

Jo saved Alaric using medicine, rather than dragging him back over the border. Alaric is now human which means no reverse compulsion for Elena.

Earlier on in the day Jo had confronted Elena that she knew what she and Alaric were. Elena realized Jo must be a witch.

Caroline still refused to forgive Stefan. Jeremy smashed his phone to pieces after realizing Bonnie was most likely never coming back. Matt helped Sarah look through some files and told her about Stefan and Damon.