Locke discovers Desmond is not in the well, tells Ben he wants to destroy the island

As Locke and Ben walk through the jungle, Ben asks Locke why he bothers walking if he can turn into smoke. Locke says that the he likes the feel of his feet on the ground because it reminds him that he was human.

They then arrive at the well, where Locke discovers that Sayid didn't kill Desmond and someone helped him out with a rope. Locke says that whoever helped Desmond out actually helped him because Widmore said that the Desmond was a fail-safe for Jacob to ensure that Locke never left the island, just in case Locke managed to kill all of the candidates.

Locke then reveals that he plans to use Desmond to do what he can't, which is destroy the island.

And this is where we're left headed into the finale. Jack is the protector of the island and Locke wants to destroy it, so a showdown is coming. More later.

Hurley pays Ana Lucia to help Desmond, Kate & Sayid escape the police

At the police station, Sawyer comes to tell Kate, Desmond and Sayid that they are being sent to the county lockup. Kate stops him as he's leaving and says that he can still let her go because he believes she's innocent. Saywer says that he can't because he's a cop. Kate tells him that he doesn't seem like a cop.

In the back of the van, Desmond says that he thinks it's time to leave. Kate asks who he is and Sayid says that he's crazy, revealing that Desmond turned himself in. Desmond admits that he hit a man (Locke) in a wheelchair.

Desmond says that the driver already knows where to stop and says that when they stop, he'll expect Sayid and Kate to trust him, because he's going to ask them to do something. They both reluctantly agree, then the van comes to a stop.

The back door opens, revealing Ana Lucia who asks Desmond where her money is, because if she doesn't get it, she'll have to tell the police that she shot them while they tried to escape. As she releases them from their restraints, Hurley pulls up in his yellow Hummer.

Hurley gets out and says that he didn't know Ana Lucia was going to be there. With her trademark attitude, Ana Lucia says "Do I know you tubby?" Hurley realizes his mistake and says that they've never met and hands her an envelope with $125,000 in it. As she leaves, Hurley asks Desmond if she's not coming with them and Desmond says she's not ready yet.

Hurley's Camaro can be seen next to the van and he tells Desmond to take it. Sayid goes with Hurley who says he knows where they need to go. Kate stays with Desmond, who hands her a black dress and tells her that they're going to a concert. Kate looks bewildered.

So Desmond and Hurley both clearly know what's going on, and they have a plan. We learn what that plan involves in the finale.

Jacob passes protectorship to Jack by blessing water

Jacob leads Jack down to a creek as Sawyer, Kate and Hurley watch from a distance. Sawyer cracks a joke saying "And I thought that guy had a God complex before." Kate says "James" in a scolding tone and he says "I know." Hurley says "I'm glad it's just not me."

By the creek, Jacob tells Jack that over the ridge at the bamboo field where he first woke up on the island, that's where the heart of the island is, which he needs to protect from Locke. Jack says that there's nothing past the bamboo, but Jacob says that there is and he'll now be able to find it.

Jacob then asks Jack if he has a cup and Jack gets one from his bag. Jacob reaches into the water and pulls some out, saying in Latin as he does so "Nam non accipimus hoc quasi vulgarem potionem, sed ut ille sit quasi unus mecum," which means "Because we don't accept this as a simple potion, but so that he shall be as one with me." He releases the water back into the creek, puts some into the cup and gives it to Jack to drink. Jack asks how long he will have to do the job, and Jacob says as long as he can. Jack drinks all the water in the cup and then Jacob puts his hand on his shoulder and says "Now you're like me."

The ritual mirrors the passing of power from Mother to Jacob that we saw in "Across the Sea." It's interesting that the light (or the source or heart of the island) is only able to be found by the protector, but it's so close from where Jack's island story began.