K n o w T h y E n e m y

It seemed catching a break was going to be almost impossible. 

All Malik wanted was to just sit back and relax but no. Damon planned the demise of Elijah and during the dinner party they tried to kill him only to have Elena get involved making her dagger the original in order to protect Damon and Stefan.

So now Elijah was in the basement of the Salvatore Boarding House and because of it Jonas came for Bonnie and took her powers.

What he didn't understand was why Jonas avoided him.

Didn't even try to get near him which made Malik suspicious.

 But this also made him more alarmed, which is why he put a protection spell on Bonnie. He couldn't let her die and be a casualty of this whole mess.

Especially after Stefan approached them in school to drop another bomb on them. Katherine's unexpected escape from the tomb.

"She's out?"

"We're dealing with it, just be extra careful. She's gotten a little too good at impersonating Elena."

"With Katherine still around we gotta find a way to get your powers back, it's too dangerous for Malik to take on all of this alone" spoke Jeremy looking at the Bennetts, receiving a smile in return.

" Listen, I want to get the Martins on our side. I want to figure out a way for us all to work together now that Elijah's out of the picture."

"Doubt that will happen. They kinda hate us" responded Malik easily.

"It's either win them over or somebody's going to end up dead. You think you can at least convince them to have a civil conversation?"

" I'll try" gave in Bonnie after a while to which Malik just shook his head but remained silent.

" Thanks. Keep me posted" answered the vampire and left them in a hurry.

" Okay. We gotta get to class" spoke Malik and looking at the other two continued. "I'll let you two... you know... god it's weird"

Malik walked off in a hurry not wanting to see them get all sweet and cute, he wasn't ready for that. As he was going around the school he couldn't focus, it all seemed weird, trying to go ahead and live their lives.

He did get an update from Bonnie, saying she talked to Luka and that they set a meeting time with them at the Grill later on and for some reason that felt like normality was back on track.

It was times like this that made him miss Grams, for her to just tell them off gently and ensure they stayed out of trouble.

And that thought process made him look at his bracelet.

There was a reason he chose to seal away his magic but now... he regretted it deeply. The only way for him to get back his full powers was to destroy that bracelet. But how could he, when that was all the reminder he had.

Decision time was upon him and he did not know what to do yet.

Going to the Grill was a no brainer for him, but he decided to let Bonnie and Stefan handle the talking, he just stopped behind Bonnie and watched the Martin witches quietly as they joined them. He had to try very hard not to lash out at them and take revenge. He had no idea how he stole Bonnie's powers so until he figured out how to get it back, Malik had no choice but to play nice.

"Thank you for coming."

"I didn't want to but my son made a case to hear you out."

"Bonnie said that you have information about Elijah" spoke Luka but his tone indicated an explanation as to where the original vampire was.

Stefan looked at Bonnie then back at the warlocks and spoke in an apologetic tone.

" Elijah's dead. I'm sorry"

Jonas and Luka looked at Bonnie and Jonas immediately got up but Stefan grabbed his shoulder, hoping to change his mind.

"Hear me out. We can help you."

" We know that Klaus has your daughter. I'm sorry about the way we had to get that information, but it's good that we know. We can all work together to get her back" stepped in Bonnie, trying to help the situation.

"How?" questioned Luka not believing them at all.

"I suspect that you and Elijah had a plan to kill Klaus. Let us help you carry it out. You can trust us. I give you my word. We all do."

In that moment the Martin witches glanced and Malik but turned their glances away which made Bonnie and Malik suspicious but they tried to hide it as much as they could. They had to know the plan and their intentions.

"Elijah had no weapon against Klaus. But he knew the one way to kill even an original, and that is by the hand of witches. Nature has to find a balance" spoke Jonas carefully and kept glancing towards Malik.

"We just need to find a way to channel enough power to do it" finished Luka which made Malik just think and he already began to think of a few ideas on how to proceed but seeing their glances it seemed they knew that.

Which explained why Dr Martin never came for Malik, considering his mental powers not even the older man could have gotten the information out of him. And they probably knew Malik was the key to the location of such power.

And Malik realised the plan: the old house where the witches died, where Emily was as well.

The place where he discovered his powers, where he first met the witches and his ancestor, Emily Bennett. That could be their solution. 

Now he just had to figure out if there was a way to use that power.

Once their discussion was over the Martin witches asked for some time to talk things through saying that with recent events they needed to make sure they could trust the group. Bonnie and Malik exchanged a look, both of them knowing full well that something was very fishy.

That is why Malik decided to go with Stefan to talk to Damon about this.

"Thank you for helping us, I know it's a lot since Bonnie lost her powers."

"I'll get her powers back, but we need to make sure we're ahead of the Martin witches. I have an idea of what they're looking for but Damon can clarify that for me."

Once they got out of the car and entered the house Malik could hear voices from the parlour, getting closer Stefan stopped at the entrance and leaning against the frame waited.

"I don't know. What did papa witch and baby witch have to say?"

"Isn't she gone or dead yet?"

"For the last time, I'm here to help. Can we skip the secrets, hmm?" asked Katherine, Stefan just raised an eyebrow and turned towards Malik.

"Elijah had no weapon to kill Klaus, however he believed that if a witch could channel enough power it would be unnecessary."

"Like the power you get from a spot marked with a hundred dead witches?" asked Damon making Malik nod.

"We just need to find it" said Stefan.

"We also need to find a way to channel that power" added Malik. "Considering the power that holds it's not that simple."

"Is that what Elijah was looking for?" asked Damon looking at Stefan.

"Yeah he needed the location, I'll go through and check the journals to see if we can find it."

"Hm" added Malik with a small smile making Stefan raise an eyebrow but did not comment. "While you guys are dealing with that I'll go to Elena's. Need to cheer them up."

Before anyone could have said a word he walked out of there and walked to his car when Stefan rushed out.

"Mal, just a second..."

"What's up?"

"In there when we talked about the place... do you know where that is?"

"Perhaps" responded the boy with a smile. "The Martin witches suspect that I do which is why they're careful around me. Once we know where we stand with them we can revisit it."

Stefan just nodded remained silent as the boy pointed towards the house, indicating that with the presence of Katherine he will not want to discuss more.

Once he got to Elena's house he walked in without knocking and joined the girls who we're making preparations. Sitting on the stool he was watching them quietly, just enjoying the normality of the night.

"Chinese food or pizza?"

"Like you have to ask" laughed Elena and they all nodded.

"I will get it."

Caroline took her tablet computer and her smile faded as she saw a picture of her with Matt. Bonnie and Elena exchanged a look when suddenly Malik got up and taking it from her commented.

"I'll do it."

"Do you believe that Jonas is being sincere?" asked Elena looking at the Bennetts.

" I don't know what to believe. I think he's at a loss. He's not sure who to trust."

"What about you Malik?"

"I think what he told us is true. With the method proposed, we can defeat Klaus. But I'm not sure if they are willing to play along with us. So be careful."

"Well, what are we going to do about this movie situation? How about "The Notebook"?" asked Caroline changing the subject immediately.

"Caroline, how many times have you seen that movie?"

"That is so not the point."

"Well, yeah, I mean..." started the brunette but in that moment Jenna entered the kitchen making them all turn towards her. "Hey"

"What's going on?"

"Girls' night."

"Why is Malik here then?"

"I've been asking the same question Jenna. Apparently you follow the girls as a 6 years old and now you're inclined to appear on girls night... plus I do have an input on boys so... I'm kinda qualified."

"That's fair" answered the woman and nodded.

"How are you doing?" questioned Elena carefully.

"You heard about my fight with Ric."

"He feels terrible."

"Is this some disguised attempt to cheer me up?"

Elena looked at the others before turning back to Jenna spoke reassuringly.

"No, this is about us hanging out and  if you happen to want to talk we will be here..."

"Because I am a winner when it comes to successful relationships" commented Caroline earning a quiet snort from Malik.

"You, too?"

"You have no idea."

"Okay, then" she joined them and opened the fridge while began talking. "It's this whole Isobel thing. He's hiding something from me."

"Maybe there is a great reason why he's not telling you. Perhaps he is just trying to protect you."

"Well, that's not his call to make. I mean I deserve the truth. Everybody does!"

"That can also be the reason why he is scared of telling you what that is" butted in Malik looking at the woman. "Trust me whether it's serious or trivial it doesn't matter as long as Ric sees that as a major thing and is scared to admit to it."

Jenna seemed to think about it but Caroline wasn't having the depressing mood. She immediately began thinking and organising.

" You know what we need? Dancing. There is a band at the Grill."

"I'm in."

"In" chorused the Bennett duo and Caroline clapped her hand with delight.

They all began to walk out when Malik suddenly stumbled, but Caroline caught him and noticed how he look phased out.

" I'll stay anchored. Use all my energy and if you feel weak..."

" Dad. I want this just as much as you"

"You alright?" asked Jenna immediately making the boy shake his head and answered with a smile.

"Yeah I'm good, just clumsy."

Jenna just nodded and they continued to walk when Caroline looked at Malik and whispered quietly.

"What's happening?"

"The Martin witches are up to something... I've been focusing on them but there's only so much I can see."

"Hopefully nothing serious."

As they approached the Grill, Malik had a really bad feeling and wasn't sure what to expect. Seeing that the sensation didn't want to go away he told the girls to head in without him while he was pulling out his phone.

He was just about to call Stefan when his chest became tight, grief and sadness and grief washed through him and for a moment he felt an ice cold sensation run through him, making his eyes water. He only heard one name in his head, making a tear fall down his cheek.

"Malik? You okay?"

The boy suddenly noticed that he actually dialled Stefan making him put the phone to his ear.

"They've attacked you haven't they..."

"They tried to free Elijah but Damon stopped it, I'm on my way to talk to them."

"Stefan be careful... I think Luka is dead."

"I'll try to talk to him. Can you keep an eye on the girls for me?"

"Yeah not a problem."

Malik rushed in and joined the girls and they were all listening to the band but it seemed something was up. As he looked around he saw Caroline looking after Matt with a sad expression.

" He said it's all on you now" spoke Bonnie referring to an earlier conversation Matt and Caroline had.

" Yeah, but I can't do anything about it."

" Why not? All you talk about is how much you care about him" asked Malik putting an arm around Bonnie's shoulder.

" Yeah, but I am still keeping so many secrets."

" Alaric's in the same boat with Jenna and maybe that's our mistake. We're trying to protect the people that we love by keeping them out of it, but in the end, we're hurting them anyway"

It seemed Caroline has decided to do something and Malik was excited to see what it was. As the song ended Caroline took off her jacket and gave it to Elena.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?"

"Elena hush" reprimanded Malik playfully and hugging his sister they both smiled and watched Caroline go on the stage and taking the microphone.

"Hey, everybody. Let's hear it for the band! Weren't they awesome?" she started clapping and everyone joined in with her right after. "So there's this guy. And, he told me to tell him how I feel about him. You know, just because I talk a lot doesn't mean I always know what I'm actually talking about. And I don't really know how to express myself. You know what, I'm going to sing."

"Sing?" asked Elena and looked at the others and while Bonnie and Jenna seemed baffled Malik had a big grin on his face not taking his eyes off of her.

She whispered something in his hear and he then passed the band the song. They began to play and she started singing "Eternal Flame".

Later in the song, Malik looked around and noticed Matt looking at Elena, receiving a smile and nod from her he joined Caroline on stage.

" Matt... I..." started Caroline but suddenly Matt kissed her and everyone screamed and laughed.

As the time was going along they were all enjoying themselves until Bonnie began walking towards the toilet but Elena just came from there and with a smile on her face spoke.

"I wouldn't. Caroline and Matt are..."

"In the bathroom?!"

" If they're happy, I'm happy."

" Speaking of happy, would it freak you out if I started dating your brother?"

Elena suddenly stopped walking and turned around not fully believing what she was hearing.

"You're into my brother?"

 I know it's weird, but he makes me happy and I really can't tell what you're thinking... Right now."

" I'm thinking that... My brother has had more pain in his life than a hundred people's worth of pain, and... he deserves to be with someone as amazing as you."

" Really?"

" Really."

Bonnie hugged her tightly while Malik smiled from not far watching the two of them before he looked down on his phone and noticed a message from Stefan. As he was reading it he got up and once he did he looked for Bonnie but couldn't quite see her.

But then he noticed Jonas and Bonnie talking.

"Dr Martin. You okay?"

"Where is she?"

" I don't understand" answered the girl but Malik slowly approached them making sure the older warlock did not notice him.

"My son is dead."

"Whatever it is you think you need to do, there's a better way."

"They killed Elijah and they killed Luka and my only shot at getting my daughter back is if I have Elena."

"No, Dr Martin."

The moment Jonas broke the stage lights with his powers Malik's eyes widened, he never suspected he would attack in public and danger innocents. 

" Where is she?" repeated the warlock.

" I don't know. I haven't seen her."

He broke the rest of the lights in the Grill, that was the moment when Malik rushed ahead towards them.

" No one's getting out of here until I have her."

"Don't do this. Please don't do this."

Jonas broke all the bottles with his powers and set fire to the bar top. Bonnie tried to stop him but he put his hand on her forehead and she fell on the floor, unconscious.

Right in that moment Malik's head began pounding and with a sudden movement he raised his hands and slammed Jonas away from Bonnie into the wall.

As he got up from the ground noticed Malik standing there where Bonnie was, helping up his sister and began walking towards him.

"Bonnie! Hey, Bonnie!" called Mal trying to wake up his twin sister.

Noticing that Jonas was heading towards him he immediately loosened his beads and getting up unleashed his magic, putting up a protective wall between them while letting out his magic with a yell pushing everyone away from them. 

It seemed the older warlock was adamant on getting to them as he placed his hands on the wall and with his powers began to push the barrier back but as he took a few steps closer, anger rose in Malik and for the first time a small red spark appeared in his eyes, which resulted in burning Jonas' hands and pushing him back. Before the older man could have attempted again to take down his barrier, they heard Elena's voice.

"Dr Martin! I'm so sorry about Luka. I never wanted that to happen, but...at least let us help you get your daughter back."

" Only Elijah can do that."

" You don't need Elijah!"

He set fire to another bar and turned to Stefan and Elena but Caroline jumped on him. Elena and Stefan left immediately which made Malik slightly furious but seeing that Bonnie woke up his attention turned to her and immediately got her out.

As they were going away from the Grill they ran into Jeremy who kept looking around then settling his gaze on them asked in a worried tone.

"You two alright?"

"Long story man" answered Malik. "Can we get in? We can explain everything."

"Sure, come on in... you okay Bonnie?"

"Shaken."

Jeremy immediately moved and wrapped an arm around Bonnie forgetting for a moment that Malik was there but as they looked at each other Jeremy seemed worried.

But seeing how he treated Bonnie Malik just smiled and nodded and began walking ahead of them, giving them some privacy. He did not turn back around but he let his magic gently ooze out, surrounding them with a protective touch.

Once they were back in the house Jeremy made them tea and they sat down at the table. Malik quietly drank his tea when Bonnie spoke up after a few minutes of silence.

" Luka... I can't believe he's dead. After what we did to him."

" No, after what he did to you. Look, I'm sorry, I know you feel bad about all of this but I don't."

"Have to agree with Jeremy there" mumbled Malik quietly.

" I couldn't do anything to help. I was useless. I hated it " blurted out Bonnie suddenly. "I had to rely on my brother when we all know he shouldn't use his magic too excessively."

Malik and Jeremy was about to speak when the door opened, making them all turn to the newcomers.

"Thank God" exclaimed Bonnie.

"It's not over yet" spoke Elena and glanced upstairs.

"What's going on?" questioned Jeremy looking at them.

"He'll explain" came the short answer and Elena walked upstairs.

"When did you guys get home?" asked the vampire walking closer.

"A few minutes ago."

"Did you check the house?"

"And why would we check the house?" questioned the boy but then he looked at Mal who looked upstairs and his eyes widened.

Before he could have said anything Stefan shushed him quietly, until they heard shouting from upstairs, but it was a male voice, not Elena's.

Stefan and Bonnie rushed upstairs immediately while the two boys remained downstairs. Malik just sat back down and picking up his tea continued to drink it when Jeremy began talking.

"Listen man I know you knew for a while now..."

"It's fine" interrupted the warlock with a small smile. "You make her happy and I can tell you care about her. I'm not against it, Jer... but I'm also not sure I want to see you two get all lovey-dovey and all the other."

"That's cool man... thanks."

They gave each other a hug, when suddenly they heard Bonnie scream, they both ran upstairs but Jonas was dead on the floor. Bonnie walked to Malik slowly and hugged her brother, but as she did so, Malik felt a tingling sensation, closing his eyes he felt it.

Bonnie had her powers back.

"I'm going to head home... will you be alright?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Are you going to be safe going home alone?"

"I'll drive, don't worry... I'll see you later."

Walking towards the Martin Residence Malik wasn't exactly thrilled with having Damon with them, but Bonnie insisted on working together. Once they got there Damon opened the door, partially putting his hand in confirmed he was able to enter, he immediately crossed the threshold.

"Yep. Everybody's dead."

"We should pack up the grimoires. They spent years collecting them. I wanna make sure they're safe" spoke Bonnie and Malik immediately went to the shelves while Damon stopped and looked at Luka's burnt corpse.

" You know, we could just get another match and cremate him."

" Don't be disrespectful."

" Fine. I'll bury him."

"What exactly are we looking for?" asked Jeremy looking around the room.

"According to Dr Martin, one of these Grimoires contains a spell that'll let us harness the energy that's left behind when a witch dies violently" spoke Malik looking at the spell books.

"I didn't know you and father witch were so close."

"We weren't but when he gave me my powers back, he gave me a message. If we can find the spot in town, where the old Salem witches were burned, there is a chance I can harness their energy to use when I need it" explained Bonnie.

"Great. We'll have to put that on our list of things to do today. Harness ancient dead-witch power."

Malik just let out a sigh while Bonnie spun around and walked closer to Damon with a disbelieving look on her face.

"You know where the witches were burned?"

"Did I forget to mention that? Seems I'm not the only one with a forgetful mind."

Malik partially turned towards Damon and they looked at each other but none of them spoke, it was Jeremy who fired off a different question changing the subject.

"Are we gonna have to read through every one of these books till we find the right spell?"

"Not exactly" spoke Malik and closing his eyes raised his hands. After her quick non-verbal spell suddenly many books fell and one of them opened right in front of him. " It's this one."

" Great. Grab the rest. Let's go."

Malik was unusually quiet as they were walking ahead in the woods, Damon leading the way, Bonnie and Jeremy closely behind him while the warlock was walking behind them slowly.

"Is this the spot Emily Bennett was killed, too?" asked Jeremy curious.

"Founders thought it was poetic burning her where the other witches burned."

"How do you know where the witches were burned?" questioned Bonnie, still unsure if she believed him.

"That is because I tried to save her. Emily was my key to getting Katherine back... obviously before I knew what a nasty little bitch she was."

Jeremy just laughed, they walked closer but as they did something felt odd, there was nothing there apart from an empty clearing on the hill, not at all how Damon expected it to be. Looking around confused Jeremy was the first to speak up.

"Are you certain this is right place?"

Damon nodded but then he turned around slowly and with a smirk on his face addressed the Bennett warlock.

"I remember a house standing there but it seems it disappeared completely. Without a trace. I wonder how that could happen."

Bonnie and Jeremy looked confused and turned towards Malik who just raised an eyebrow but did not answer. Bonnie was unsure of what Damon was referring to, she kept looking between them until she began to realise what Damon was talking about.

"Mal... did you know all along where the witches were burnt?"

"Yes" came the answer. "This was the place where I have awakened my full powers the first time. That time I ran away... they helped me contain it and gain control over it. Which is why I put a protection spell around it so no one would find it."

"And that explains how papa witch missed it and was careful to approach you. Can you remove it so we can all get in?"

"No, Damon" answered Mal but before Damon could have said anything Bonnie stepped closer.

"Mal, it's okay. Trust me nothing bad will happen."

"I wouldn't be too sure" remarked Malik and began walking ahead. "The magic you seek has a price..."

As he kept going suddenly they noticed some static energy run through the air and in the next moment a large run-down house was standing there.

Malik did not stop he just kept going further until they reached the door. They entered the house and walked around until suddenly Damon was unable to move.

"Whatever prank you're playing... it's not funny."

"I'm not doing anything" responded Malik.

"I can't move" stated the vampire and his skin began to burn as well in the sunlight. "And my ring's not working. Do something."

Bonnie concentrated and closed her eyes, after a couple of second Damon was able to move again and got out of the way of the sunlight.

"I don't think the witches like you being here" commented Bonnie with a small smile playing on her lips.

"Seems like this is right place" added Jeremy looking around while Malik just rolled his eyes and began walking away from them.

"I'm gonna go wait outside" announced Damon and walked out of the building.

Malik looked around and as always he could sense the witches but this time there was something different, and he wasn't sure what it was. A new presence but he knew he had no time for this. Bonnie was ready to begin.

"Can you hand me the grimoire?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"Are you worried about me?"

"Yeah, of course I am" Bonnie just smiled looking at Jeremy and while she took the grimoire kissed him.

She opened the grimoire and saw a letter. While she was reading it suddenly voices began whispering around them.

" What is that?"

" The spirits of the witches who died here" explained Malik gently and stepping closer to Bonnie she looked at her brother.

"I can feel them."

"What are they saying?"

" I can't tell" said Bonnie but Malik just smiled and began walking away, Bonnie right behind him Jeremy quickly grabbed his bag and followed them down into the basement.

"This is it. Help me set the candles..."

As Bonnie and Jeremy began setting out the candles Malik closed his eyes and began focusing, the whispers became louder and Bonnie looked at him immediately and rushed to her brother.

"What are you doing Mal?"

"Communing with the witches... This power is enormous, I have experience with handling vast amount of power. "

"I hope you're not thinking of channelling them. It could tip your balance..." warned Bonnie when suddenly whispers erupted around them a lot louder.

The Bennett twins just looked ahead, and it seemed they were listening, Bonnie gently grabbing Malik's hands looked at her brother. The two just kept the eye contact while listening to the witches until Jeremy spoke up.

"What the hell are they saying?" asked Jeremy but none of them answered, they closed their eyes and focused again. "What is it?"

"Nothing. They're ready" spoke Bonnie and suddenly all the candles lit up, the fireplace roared with fire they all looked around and Malik looked at Jeremy.

"You might want to step back... this will get a bit intense."

Jeremy waited and paced around the room while Malik sat down next to the wall and kept his eyes on Bonnie as she began to link herself to the dead the witches. The whispers began to get louder, some distant shouting could be heard and Bonnie began to whimper.

"Bonnie? You're scaring me here" spoke up Jeremy and right in that moment Bonnie began to scream, the whispers erupted even stronger and Malik kept watching while he began to whisper a chant.

"Bonnie!" shouted Jeremy and he tried to get closer to her but he was thrown against the wall by an invisible force. Bonnie began screaming louder and since Jeremy couldn't get up Malik stood up and jumping over immediately grabbed Bonnie's hands.

Suddenly all the voices stopped and Jeremy was finally able to get up and rushed over to Bonnie, watching as she was crying.

"You okay?" asked the boys but she just tried to smile and spoke proudly.

"I did it"

Malik just hugged her quickly before stepping away gave space to Jeremy to hug embrace Bonnie. He began walking out as the whispers followed him, luckily for him Bonnie wasn't listening anymore.

The power will consume you.

You are not strong enough.

It will be the death of you.

You shouldn't have done this.

Malik allowed the tears fall from his eyes, but he continued to walk out of there, he looked down on the bracelet and the main bead was cracked.

He waited out there for Bonnie and Jeremy to join him, ensuring they did not see his tears, and the three of them began walking away from the house.

"All right, well, there has to be something in the grimoire to help us translate that chant."

"It was just a warning. It's not important."

"It is important to me, okay?" countered Jeremy looking at the girl.

"It's a lot of power to have access to. They're just telling me to be careful with it" explained Bonnie which made Malik just shake his head but continued to walk ahead of them, hiding his face.

"Well, exactly how much power can you draw from a hundred dead witches?"

They all stopped and Bonnie closed her eyes and concentrated. Leaves started flying around them and it became more and more intense, the sky turned black and lightning ran across the sky followed by thunder.

"Bonnie..." Jeremy touched her arm and she opened her eyes, the weather returned to normal and Bonnie looked at Jeremy with a smile.

"The answer to your question is: a lot."