K l a u s

Malik had no idea where he was.

His head was spinning, and he felt weak. He did not feel the spirits, he did not feel anything... he felt empty.

He began to sit up and tried looking around, but his head hurt and his vision was blurry. Trying to focus slowly he began to hear voices.

"I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Yes, do hurry. I'm anxious to get out of this body. And if you get hung up, call me. You know how impatient I get."

He was confused, why was Alaric there?

"Where is he going?" came the voice of Elena which made the warlock slowly climb out of the bed and stumble forward.

"To retrieve me so I can get out of this bad hair-do."

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Klaus?"

He stopped right there.

His memories began to come back and looking at his hands he was confused. Bonnie couldn't be dead while he was alive. No, their fate was set, Bonnie could live if he died but not the other way around.

This made him relax. He knew Bonnie was alive and well. But then how did Klaus take him with him?

"Well, the full moon is almost upon us" continued Klaus still possessing Alaric's body. "I've killed the witch, I have the moon stone, and the doppelgänger is waiting in the wings. I am ready to break this curse."

"And why would you do that here? There's so many people that would try to stop you."

"Because I have to. It's the birthplace of the doppelgänger."

"I didn't realize that was a requirement."

"Well, how could you? You betrayed me and fled England before I could give you the details, Katerina. But I did find your birthplace and I slaughtered your family. So I guess we're cool. Let's just hope that Elena isn't as stupid as you were."

"She won't run. She'll die before she lets anyone that she loves get hurt"

"And that's exactly what I'm counting on. You can't leave until I tell you to."

Once Malik heard the door close he walked out and Katherine turned around and looking at the boy waited but seeing him squinting his eyes spoke up.

"I'm surprised you're up and about. Emily's brother took days to recover after draining himself."

"Where are we... my sight is blurry."

"The teacher's apartment... It seems even you couldn't escape without side effects. I could help you heal of course."

"For a price I presume" responded Malik distastefully and tried to navigate but it seemed very hard.

Suddenly he felt someone touch his arm and guide him somewhere, sitting down on the sofa he was surprised.

Katherine Pierce was nice to him.

As he sat there he was rubbing his eyes hoping his vision would clear up but it didn't seem to work.

"Be patient little witch, it will come back. It's not like you can do much anyway."

"What are you talking about?"

"Klaus' warlock stripped you of your magic and put up a barrier, you're powerless in this flat. That bracelet of yours? They figured out a way to ensure you cannot use magic in this apartment. Then put up a barrier blocking you to leave..."

"I'm going to kill him" seethed the boy which made Katherine chuckle in amusement.

"You won't be able to do much without your magic. At least you can entertain me a little."

Malik turned to Katherine and slowly reached out to her grabbed her arm gently and suddenly he began to hear voices.

"From where have you come, Katerina?" he heard Klaus speak.

"I'm new to town, my lord" answered the girl with a British accent.

"Katerina is from Bulgaria." He recognised the voice as Elijah but it held such care and gentleness that he hasn't heard before.

"Zdravei, Katerina"

He heard her laugh in delight at the unexpected use of her mother tongue, shortly after that the girl responded to it.

"Very good"

"Do you mind, brother? I would like to have a moment alone with her"

"No not at all. Happy Birthday, brother" came the voice of Elijah making Malik pull himself away and pulling his hands away from Katherine the vampire seemed amused.

"So your mental powers still work, that is fascinating. What did you see?"

"It was just voices... your first meeting with Klaus."

"That night... oh well. You might want to worry more about the fact that Klaus will not let go of you."

"What does he want with me?"

"Your powers of course" answered Katherine casually. "Let's hope we both live long enough to avoid the fates he plans for us."

Soon enough his vision cleared up but the muscle pain was still present, he had trouble moving about but it did not hinder him from snoop around a little.

Katherine was spinning on a swivel chair to amuse herself while music was playing until she had enough and getting up opened a cupboard and found a bottle of bourbon whiskey.

She took it and smiled, opening it poured a glass to the boy and keeping the rest of it took a big chug when she heard someone with her vampire hearing.

"I don't think this is a good idea."

" Investigative journalism... we're investigating."

Malik exchanged a look with Katherine and they both waited for them to do something.

"Alaric, are you home? It's Andie... Jenna's friend."

Katherine tried to grab the doorknob, but an invisible force prevented her hand from touch it. She tried again but since she was unsuccessful she gave up and looked at Malik but the boy just shook his head, which made the vampire walk away from the door.

Luckily for them Andie and Damon opened the door.

"Thank God" sighed Katherine and Andie entered the flat.

"Wow! You were right. She looks exactly like Elena."

"Yep. Hello judgy"

"Hey Damon" answered Malik with a small smile and noticed how Damon was stuck outside so he walked closer but as Damon was unable to enter, Malik's feet stopped before the exit.

"Thought you might be dead" continued Damon but this time looked at Katherine.

" Unfortunately not. What are you doing here?"

"We are here to rescue you."

"No, sweetie. We are here to rescue the little judgy and see if she deserves to be rescued."

"Right" answered Andie with a smile and continued to look around.

"I figured you still might be kicking. Alaric-Klaus was blending way too easily. Figured he probably had some coaching" at the end of the sentence he raised his hand that had a phial in it containing a clear liquid.

" Is that...?"

"Vervain? Your salvation."

"It's not going to undo anything" argued Katherine.

"There's always a loophole. Did he tell you to stay in this apartment until he said it was okay to leave?"

She was about to speak but found herself unable to do it which amused and intrigued the boy immensely and just kept watching the scenario unfold in front of him.

"You can't say. Did he tell you to do absolutely everything he says until the end of time?"

"No."

"There's your loophole. Drink this and it'll prevent any further compulsion."

She went closer to take it but she was unable to cross the threshold.

"Give it to me"

"Answer one question first. You double-crossed us with Isobel, why?"

"I didn't think you could stand a chance against Klaus, so I was looking out for myself."

"And where did that get you? Here" he tossed her the phial distastefully. "Be careful with that. If he finds out you have that, you're never getting out of here."

She drank from it and immediately she coughed as the vervain affected her.

"You owe me. And I will collect" spoke Damon pointing at the vampire then turned to Malik. "Come on."

"Nice to meet you" spoke Andie and began walking out but noticing that the warlock did not move Damon just turned to him.

"What are you waiting for?"

"I can't leave Damon, I'm bound to this room. Just tell Bonnie I'm fine."

"Alright. Try to get yourself out of here before it's too late Malik."

Once they closed the door Malik looked at his hands then back to Katherine who just raised an eyebrow but did not say a word.

Malik just smiled and wiggling his eyebrows walked away from the vampire and picking up the glass she poured him earlier he just took a sip and sat down on the sofa.

The music was very loud, Katherine was drinking from the bottle of bourbon and dancing with Malik, the boy slightly tipsy but at least both of them were having a good time. That was until suddenly she heard someone at the door. As they exchanged a look Katherine moved and the bottle disappeared and she sat on the sofa when Klaus/Alaric entered. When he looked in the room he saw Katherine sitting motionless on the couch while Malik was on the barstool with a smile on his face.

"You mind turning that down?"

Katherine used the remote to turn down the music but seeing his face Malik tilted his head and asked in fake concern.

" Why so grumpy?"

" Well, this body has outlived its usefulness" responded Klaus not even caring how would the boy react.

"Do you want a drink?" asked Katherine with a small smile.

"No, Katerina, I don't want a drink."

"Come on. It might loosen you up" offered Katherine him the bottle.

Klaus took it and threw it against the wall, smashing it. Right after that he began compelling her.

"What I want is for you to sit down and shut up."

She had a thought go across her face but then she walked back and sat down on the couch. Klaus turned towards Malik but before he could have said anything Maddox arrived.

" Maddox, what took you so long?"

" You've got a lot of luggage."

Katherine looked at Malik and seeing the rage on his face she was worried, she knew that Klaus was interested in the boy but it did not mean he wasn't going to kill him. Before Malik could have moved Katherine appeared behind him and pulled him back, putting a hand on his mouth whispered.

"Don't make a move... be smart and wait."

Malik closed his eyes and began take deep breaths and once Katherine let go of him they both watched quietly as people began to walk in with luggages and a woman walked in as well, making Klaus smile and speak up.

"Greta. Finally."

"Hello, love. Nice body. You ready to get out of it?"

Two other men arrived with a giant wooden crate. Katherine exchanged a look with Malik and they both looked at them.

"You two stay in the back" ordered Klaus. "Katerina, make sure our guest doesn't interfere."

Katherine held the boy back binding his arm behind him and held him firmly while the others began the preparations. Soon enough all the candles were put up and Klaus stopped next to the large wooden crate.

Maddox and Greta lowered themselves to their knees casting a spell. The candles all around them became lit and Klaus had his head bowed and eyes closed. As the chanting continued Malik and Katherine looked at Alaric who slowly opened his eyes and looked at the two of them.

" Phasmatos Tribum, Nas Ex Veras, Uenes Phasmatos Et Sonos. Ex Tutam Exum Lamia Matus" chanted the two of them completing the transition.

"Elena? Malik?" asked Alaric confused before he collapsed onto the floor.

Maddox stood up and opened the box. Klaus walked out of it and looked down at Alaric then looked up and seeing everyone there smiled.

"Now that's more like it."

As he walked away from there he smiled at Greta and caressed her cheeks then looking at Katherine and Malik walked closer to them. The girl released her hold on the boy but he still couldn't back away as the girl was standing right behind him.

"Malik Bennett... I have great plans for you love. I'm sure you know Maddox, let me introduce you to Greta."

The girl walked next to Klaus and smiled at the boy, looking him up and down spoke gently.

"It's a pleasure to meet a living anomaly... I have a feeling we will get along just fine."

Malik looked at the girl but her words completely got lost to him. There was something about the girl that seemed familiar, until he suddenly realised who he was looking at.

"You're Greta Martin"

The girl looked shocked for a second before she turned to Klaus and she whispered to him.

"I like him... he's good."

"I know" responded the vampire and kept eye contact with the boy. "Who would have thought I'd come to Mystic Falls, break the curse and gain a powerful weapon."

Malik remained silent as he felt Katherine's hand on his back gently grabbing his shirt, luckily to them Klaus turned around and grabbed the moonstone looking at it he began planning with his witches.

Malik turned slightly to the side and looking at Katherine the boy just gave a grateful smile and walked away trying to stay away from them.

Getting to the bedroom he just sat down on the floor and leaning back against the wall tried to zone everything out to see what was happening in the world.

He was conscious and curious of how much he could control his mental powers. With his magic nullified he tried to channel the spirits around him until suddenly he began to see images.

Bonnie alive and well.

Elena pulling the dagger out of Elijah.

Stefan and Damon not suspecting a thing.

Caroline alive and well.

Opening his eyes he just looked ahead and a series of emotions washed through him. Regret, fear, anger.

He was now aware of a lot of things but was unable to do anything. Katherine was right, he had to wait. Two powerful witches and an original.

But how was he supposed to warn Bonnie?

Soon enough Greta appeared next to him with a big smile and checking the boy squatted down next to him.

"The spirits like you don't they..."Malik's eyes widened for a moment but did not look at the girl, however the witch found it highly entertaining. "Maddox is a powerful warlock... to think you still have your powers to see around... is that how you knew who I was?"

Malik continued to refuse looking at her but it seemed the witch was not offended. She stood up and walked away from him, giving him some space.

He did not sleep that night, he simply couldn't. The only way he could protect himself was the mental powers he still had but without his magic...

"Malik, join us"

Came the voice of Klaus suddenly, surprising the boy but he did as told. Getting up walked out and he saw Katherine sitting on a chair while Greta was playing around with the moonstone until Klaus took it from her.

"Where is your other pet" asked Malik in a bored tone not seeing Maddox.

"If you're referring to Maddox" answered Klaus with an amused smile. "He's currently ensuring we have our werewolf for the sacrifice"

Malik was confused for a second but seeing Klaus' face his eyes widened and turned to Katherine.

"You didn't..."

"Oh that she did" continued Klaus and walked closer to the warlock putting an arm around him spoke gently into his ear. "To ensure she's safe she told me how she prepared everything for the curse to be broken. So by tonight I will have my werewolf and my vampire. Speaking for which, Greta be a doll and get her for me"

Greta just left with a smile on her face while Klaus let go of the boy and walking to the kitchen poured himself a drink.

"Who did you offer up?" asked Malik not taking is eyes off of the vampire doppelgänger.

"Malik, I had no choice" defended the girl and began to get up.

"Who did you offer up?" asked the boy again but he raised his voice but in that moment the lights flickered in the apartment, alarming Klaus and Greta making them both move.

Suddenly Klaus was there and grabbing his arm pulled him back but the boy immediately turned and swatted off his hand.

Greta began chanting but as Malik turned his face to her she suddenly stopped and looked around confused then stumbled back, began to look around like he wasn't seeing Malik.

Katherine was scared seeing the boys golden eyes with flickering red in them.

"That's enough" whispered Klaus into his ears from behind, disrupting the boy who suddenly regained his control, but in that moment tiredness kicked in, his legs weakened but before he could have collapsed Klaus caught him.

"Fascinating..." gawked Greta with a big grin on her face, however malik turned to Kathrine.

"This changes nothing..." spoke Malik with a strained voice. "If Caroline dies... I will take you out and I don't care if I die."

He got away from Klaus and slowly walking to the window, opening it he sat down on the floor.

He felt weak.

The spirits began to whisper to him, soothing him and offering a promise of protection he fell asleep.

At first he believed he was dreaming. He was in the Grill looking around confused but it seemed no one noticed him. Seeing Alaric and Damon at the bar he began to walk closer when suddenly Klaus appeared behind them as well making them turn around.

"Ugh. Klaus, I presume."

" In the flesh" he looked at Alaric "Thanks for the loaner, mate."

"Any reason you stopped by to say hi?" asked Damon but he was up on his feet somewhat agitated and angry that made Malik worried, he simply put his hand on Damon's shoulder.

"I'm told you and your brother fancy my doppelgänger. Just thought I'd remind you to not do anything you'll regret."

Damon broke into a smile at the irony of the comment, considering what he has done but an idea came to him.

" Ha. Thanks for the advice. I don't suppose I could talk you into a postponement, by any chance, huh?"

"You are kidding?" he looked at Alaric to get confirmation of the comment. "He is kidding, right?"

"No, not really."

"I mean, come on, what's one month in the whole grand scheme of things?

"Let me be clear... I have my vampire. I have my werewolf. I have everything I need. The ritual will happen tonight. So if you want to live to see tomorrow, don't screw it up."

Before Klaus left he looked next to Damon with a smirk, Malik began to panic and suddenly he was pulled away in a vortex. Taking a deep breath got up and looking around tried to calm himself down.

Walking out of there noticed it was just him and Katherine. The vampire was looking for a blood bag in the fridge.

As she was unsuccessful she let out a sigh but hearing the key in the lock she got up and went to the door she saw Alaric standing outside his apartment without entering.

"Look who's dumb enough to come back" commented Katherine offhandedly.

"Well, somebody had to invite him in. Damon. Would you like to, uh, come in?"

Damon appeared and walked in with a smirk on his face but the moment he stepped in Katherine rushed to him and pushing him raised her voice.

"Are you trying to get us killed?"

Right in that moment Damon changed their situation and pushed her against the wall.

"I gave you vervain, now I'm here to collect. I got it from here, Rick."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, only one of us needs to get blamed for this. Get back in the house. Keep Elena from handing herself over."

"Okay"

Malik began walking closer but it seemed he wasn't the only one noticing his statement.

"Get blamed for what?" asked Katherine immediately.

"I need to know where Klaus is keeping his werewolf. Dead werewolf equals no ritual"

"No. You can't interfere, Damon. Klaus will kill you and everyone you've ever met."

"I just need to delay this thing" explained Damon and looked at Malik who was standing quietly eyeing the two of them with suspicion.

"No. No way"

"You should like this. It's going to buy another month of your pathetic life."

"Except that I'm not the vampire he's planning on sacrificing. Therefore, I'm in the clear" announced Katherine happily.

"What?"

"He's got Caroline and Tyler, Damon" interrupted Malik quietly making the vampire look at him with disbelief.

"And where'd he get that idea from?"

He went toward her, Katherine held her hands up in surrender and began to back away.

"Hey! I'm just trying to stay alive long enough to get myself out of here."

Damon stopped for a moment and began thinking but as his face twisted slightly the air changed in the room and the next words made things to go down very quickly.

"What if I told you Elena had vampire blood in her system?"

"What?!" asked both at the same time but Damon decided it was safer to not talk to Malik rather try to force information out of Katherine.

"Imagine how much fun that will be competing with Elena for Stefan's love for, I don't know, forever."

"The tomb. He's got them in the tomb."

"Thank you"

He was about to leave when Malik grabbed his short and pulling him back blocked his way, staring into his eyes spoke quietly still.

"What did you mean by Elena having vampire blood in her system"

"Don't push it judgy today has been bad enough..."

"You fed her your blood" stated Malik and stepping aside continued. "You better get out"

"Come on now..."

"Out" thundered the boy suddenly which caught Katherine off guard and she stepped back while Damon rushed out of the apartment.

Once the door closed Malik began to rub his temples and pacing around his mind began racing. All the possibilities and options he could do or they could do. Any spells that might help Elena.

Malik knew Elena didn't want to be a vampire, so to have the decision ripped away from you... he couldn't imagine what the girl was feeling. Katherine just watched the boy and rolling her eyes walked closer.

"Pull yourself together Bennett, as long as you're locked in here there is nothing you can do."

"You don't know that" responded the boy but only spared a glance, he continued to walk around.

Katherine was jealous and somewhat angry. Everyone went to great lengths to protect and save Elena while she had to look after herself for over 500 years. It wasn't fair... and she wasn't going to let that happen.

Even if it meant killing the boy.

"You need to reserve your strength Klaus could be back at any time"

She waited and saw how Malik began to calm down and walking to the sofa sat down and leaned back but he was still nervous. Katherine walked to the kitchen and began making coffee. Just as it was ready and she poured a cup for the boy Klaus walked into the flat but it seemed he was unhappy about something.

"Everything okay?" asked Katherine looking at him.

"What have you been doing?" came the suspicious voice of Klaus which made Malik look up with a worried face but the vampire was looking at Katherine.

"Making coffee. Do you want some?"

He rushed over to her, grabbed her by the throat and began compelling her.

"Tell me what you've been doing."

"Making coffee" spoke Katherine but as she was chocked it was very hard for her to speak, but Klaus released her regardless.

She was holding her neck and turned away from Klaus trying to recover from the uncomfortable sensation.

" Wait. Take off your bracelet."

Katherine stopped and turning around glanced at Malik but holding it together looked at the original and taking it off handed it to him.

"Now, I want you to walk over to the window and stand in the sunlight."

"But she'll burn Klaus" spoke up Malik immediately getting up from the sofa.

"She doesn't have a choice."

Malik wanted to interfere but he knew... Klaus would kill him and her. They had to make sure Klaus had no idea about her having vervain and ensure Damon had time to save Caroline. She walked to the sunlight and as her face was exposed she began to burn. Malik was watching the girl for a bit but as he turned to Klaus their eyes matched. The warlock knew if he tried anything that would be the end of them. He was hoping Klaus didn't actually want to kill Katherine just testing her and that she would hold on.

" That's enough" hearing that command she rushed over to the corner of the room, in the shadows she began to heal while Klaus got up and began talking while turning to the girl. "Guess I was wrong. All right, then. I need you to do something for me."

Malik wanted to listen in to see what horrible things Klaus was planning but they were so quiet and when Katherine walked off Klaus stood in front of the boy and looking him in the eye began to walk closer making Malik back away until he hit the wall and the vampire was right in front of him, not much distance between them.

"Someone was misbehaving today... don't think I haven't realised you were there."

Malik's eyes widened for a brief second and looking him into his eyes remained silent and allowed the vampire to continue.

"I heard about you before I got here. I did my research about this little place. The moment I found out there was a living anomaly here I made sure to have myself protected. And I also managed to find out about your ability to use the shadow spell."

"You were testing me... " whispered Malik. "You had Maddox take away my magic, because you knew I'd rely on my mental powers."

"You're smarter than I gave you credit for" smirked Klaus and taking a step back continued. "I wanted to see for myself if you could actually do it. There is a reason you're still alive."

Malik just kept eye contact but did not respond, stayed close to the wall and luckily for him Katherine walked back in and spoke up.

"All done. Anything else?"

"That would be all for now" responded Klaus and looking at the clock he just wiggled his eyebrows and walked away, leaving the apartment.

Malik's legs finally gave up and falling on the floor he began breathing hard and looking up Katherine gave a sympathetic look and spoke gently.

"Klaus is really smart. Even if Damon frees Caroline..."

"He will have a back up plan" finished the boy and looking up took a deep breath. "I need to rest, we need a way out of here."

"What's the hurry" asked Katherine mockingly and sat on the stool looking at the boy.

"I need to be there to make sure he dies tonight... if the others fail to kill him and I'm still here... I will not be able to get away from him. And I can't have that."

Katherine just gave a knowing look and nodding her head the two of them remained silent. The clock was on, things were in motion and now things could change instantly.

He could hear the clock ticking, his own blood pumping and Katherine wasn't helping much either as she was pacing around for a while until finally Malik reached his limit and passed out of tiredness.

He was sleeping on that sofa until later, when Klaus stormed into the apartment, making him sit up immediately.

"Where's Maddox? He should be back by now."

" I don't know" spoke Katherine but her tone was uninterested.

Klaus just waltzed over to the sofa and sitting down next to Malik set up a laptop and opening it the boy could clearly see a live video of Jules lying on the floor of a cellar, chained to the wall. He was speechless.

He saw this coming but it just clarified everything.

Klaus really had back up plans for everything, even if Damon was successful in freeing Caroline and Tyler... he could still break the curse.

"What are you doing? Where's Elena?" questioned Katherine looking around, it seemed she was fully expecting the doppelgänger to make an appearance.

"I sent her off with Greta" answered the original and he kept his eyes on the woman who was transitioning but then reverted back. " It's almost time."

Suddenly the door opened making all three of them look at it but while Malik had no idea what was happening Klaus got up and his face turned serious.

" I wasn't aware you'd been invited in" right after that Malik noticed Damon appear behind Klaus.

The original turned around looking at the Salvatore he simply put out his demands.

" I've come here to tell you that you have to postpone the ritual."

" Didn't we already have this conversation?"

"Yeah, but that was before I rescued your werewolf and vampire and killed your witch."

"Excuse me?"

"And you can kill me for it. I don't care."

"Katerina, give us a moment" spoke Klaus keeping his eyes on the younger vampire. "And do me a favour... knock our guest out."

Before Malik could have reacted everything turned dark, but nothing hurt. It seemed more like a momentarily black out as he began to stir up shortly and sitting up from the bed walked out without any pain and saw Damon on the floor lying unconscious. Katherine gave him some blood from a blood bag and slapped him on the cheek to wake him.

" Hey. Damon. Hey. Damon!"

"Ahh. What the hell happened?"

" He's gone. He went to do the ritual. I'm sorry. I had to. He would have known that I was on vervain if I didn't do it."

"Do what?" asked Malik and Damon at the same time.

"Klaus. He made me call her to lure her out. He needed another vampire."

" Who did you call?" demanded Damon and grabbed Katherine's arm. "Who did you call, Katherine?"

"Jenna" uttered Katherine, clearly worried but Damon's eyes widened and he began to blame himself.

" Should have used me. Why didn't he use me?"

"He couldn't. Damon, he said you were as good as dead."

" What does that even mean?"

"What does that mean?" questioned Katherine and grabbing his arm pulled up the shirt and exposed the werewolf bite. "What is this, Damon?"

" It's a werewolf bite" spoke Damon and in that moment Malik completely lost control.

Suddenly Malik walked to the door and looking at the beads placed around the walls found the one with he crack on it, focusing all his energy on that one bead placed his hands on the invisible barrier he began to chant while his eyes turned golden, making the vampires turn to him. Pushing into the barrier he continued to chant before Katherine interrupted him.

"Greta placed a secondary barrier, you won't be able to break it without your magic."

Malik turned to them and shocked the two vampires. One of his eyes were glowing stunning golden while the other was malicious red and slowly darkness began to form around his eyes, his voice distorted as he spoke.

"I will not let them stop me. I have to save Elena and kill Klaus..."

Turning back to the barrier put his hands on it and began chanting again. Katherine was about to speak again when the lights began to flicker and the windows flung up. As they looked at the boy they noticed how his fingers began to turn almost muso black and it was growing, but before the blackness could have gotten passed his fingers he twisted his wrists and suddenly the door opened.

Turning back to the vampires his face slowly returned to normal, with a pleased smile Malik looked at Damon and wiped off the blood from his nose.

"Let's go save Elena."