U n w a v e r i n g W i l l

Malik woke up early in the morning, slowly sitting up int he bed looked towards the window and seeing the slowly waking lights he just smiled and climbing out of the bed flicked his wrist, opening up the window. Enjoying the morning fresh air he took a deep breath and began getting ready. He and Elena decided to get up early, after everything that happened both of them wanted to keep up with exercises and trainings. 

They got out of their rooms at the same time and after a quick good morning both of them descended the stairs. Walking into the kitchen they immediately noticed Alaric looking for something in the cupboards his face was scrunched up and clearly he felt groggy. To spare him from any scares they took the lead on making their presence known to the history teacher.

"Morning."

"Thought we had aspirin" responded Alaric keeping his eyes on the cupboard not turning towards the duo.

"They're in the vitamins" blurted out Malik which surprised the boy, Elena just giggled remembering the times when Bonnie did the exact same thing before they all knew she was a witch. The brunet thought about that memory for a moment before walking to the fridge got their juices out. As she gave one to Malik he noticed the nearly-empty bottle of whiskey and an empty glass next to it on the kitchen counter. Exchanging a look with Elena she gave a knowing look then turned to the man.

"You're hungover" stated the doppelgänger with a small smile.

"Yeah, sorry about that. It was a bit of a weird night."

"I told you, its' fine. You don't have to feel guilty about inviting Meredith over here."

"I know, and I thank you for that. But I do feel guilty for whiskey dialling her at two in the morning."

"Oh no you didn't" said Malik with wide eyes but with a massive and amused smile.

"Oh, yes I did."

"Was she cool about it?" enquired Elena.

"Well, as soon as these aspirin kicks in and I remember the conversation, I'll let you know."

They all just chuckled about it, until the doorbell went off. That's went Alaric just focused on clearing his head and swallowed the aspirin while Elena went to the door to see who it was.

Opening it she saw the sheriff standing there with a  plastic bag in her hand. Noticing it was the sheriff Alaric went there as well followed by Malik, all of them waiting to see what was that all about.

"Sheriff Forbes. Is everything okay?" asked Elena surprised to see her there.

"This is an unconventional conversation we're about to have. So I hope you'll protect me on it."

" Of course" responded Ric immediately stepping closer to Elena.

"I assume you all heard our medical examiner was murdered the night of the Wickery Bridge fundraiser."

" Brian Walters, yeah. Why?"

" We've been investigating. Someone drove this stake through his heart" Liz responded to Alaric's question and held up the evidence bag with the stake in it.

"That's one of a set from your parents' lake house" admitted Alaric looking at the weapon before turning to Elena who seemed completely shocked and surprised.

"That's why I'm here. I haven't told anyone but forensics ran it for prints and found only one clean set" she looked at Elena. "Yours."

" What?"

They were all shocked hearing that information but Liz was quick to reassure them she did not suspect Elena. Being the Sheriff of Mystic Falls had her learn a lot of things and a clear clue regarding supernatural involvement was uncommon. The sheriff just asked a few questions hoping to clear things up but it seemed to be a dead end.

Once she left they all got into the house and Elena immediately called Damon to give him an update on what just happened.

"So, you're the prime suspect?"

" She doesn't think that I did it. She's just trying to find out why somebody used one of my family weapons to kill a council member."

"Well, why don't you just ask Ric if his dirty little doctor had access to the weapons."

" You're on speaker, dick" butted in Alaric.

"I'm just saying first suspects usually the right one. Don't get so defensive."

"Brian Walters was killed days ago, alright? I didn't show Meredith this stuff until last night!"

"It wasn't Meredith" added Malik right into the phone before going back to his book. "Gaining access to the Gilbert weapons isn't something anyone could have done. Meredith is a doctor, she doesn't hunt vampires."

"But Brian Walters was her ex-boyfriend and Ric saw them fighting that night.

"It's not Meredith! I refuse to believe that your luck with women is that tragic" snapped Elena but aimed the rest of her sentence to Ric who gave a smile in appreciation.

"Not to mention that not everyone kills the people they argue with Damon" came the effortless sass from malik, earning a smirk from Alaric and a scoff from Damon.

"Who else knows about your secret stash?"

"Who doesn't? Got weapons everywhere, here, the school, my loft, your car."

" It's Klaus. It has to be, he's screwing with us."

" What if it was Stefan? He was crazy that night. And you know he was trying to get underneath Klaus's skin, he was capable of pretty much anything" added Elena but Malik and Alaric gave a disapproving look.

Yes, Stefan was acting out but none of them actually thought he would do something like this. Plus why would he use a stake to kill a human? 

"Makes me nostalgic for the time when Stefan was a squirrel eating pacifist. Anyway, got to go, you'll know more later."

"Where are you going?" questioned Malik immediately.

" Tea with an old friend."

The moment he hung up the trio just exchanged a look and sitting back began to think, trying to figure out who could have done it. 

"I still think Stefan could have been the one."

"Confront him if you want but makes no sense for a vampire to stake a human. Even if Stefan was acting out and the examiner was just there he would have broke his neck."

"I need to know" commented Elena and it seemed she decided to confront Stefan about it.

Sensing this Malik just shrugged and  went out for a run, wanting to get his exercise done.

Putting his headphones in the music was loud enough to tune everything else out around him, allowing him to focus on the run and not his surrounding.

By the time he was back to the Gilbert House he felt a lot better, walking upstairs went to Jeremy's room and decided to take a shower to freshen up.

While he was enjoying it the music was kept loud in the room not wanting to reconnect with the outside world just yet. He just knew that if he did... there would be something. Drama, danger, plots... not to mention Abby being out there wasn't exactly comforting to him either.

He got out of the shower and while getting dressed his phone went off and saw that it was Elena.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Can you come to the hospital? Someone got to Caroline's dad last night and now he is in transition..."

"I'm on my way" responded the boy and hanging up the phone he quickly collected his stuff, put his jacket on and while going out of the room managed to get his shoes on.

Without checking if there was anyone else in the house he just stormed out and getting into his car drove to the hospital. Elena texted him the room number Caroline took her dad, so rushing through the corridors he kept looking. The moment he got there Caroline gave him a hug but then quickly closed the door and closing the blinds spoke up.

" I compelled the nurse to stay out of this room. You'll be safe here."

" My wound is completely healed. I need something to eat" commented Bill while he was walking around, trying to comprehend what just happened. "I'm too wired and my pulse is racing. It's the effect of my body wanting to transition."

"Doctor Fell can give you something."

"She's done enough" snapped the man since he was still upset about the doctor using vampire blood to heal him after their training with Tyler ended badly.

"Is there perhaps a spell or something..." asked Caroline looking at Malik hopefully.

This caught him off guard, he opened his mouth to talk but wasn't sure what to say. Luckily to him, Elena walked in and drew the attention away from the warlock.

"I called your mom."

"Thank you" Caroline gave a grateful smile, but she was still worried.

"Mr. Forbes, did you see your attacker?" questioned Elena which made Malik look at her. He didn't realise that this was the work of the person killing the examiner as well.

"I didn't see anything. Tried to sneak out last night when someone came up from behind."

"Okay, we'll figure this out, but in the meantime we need to get you some blood" interrupted Caroline and looked at her dad.

"I'm not going to drink blood."

"You have to. You died with vampire blood in your system. If you don't feed and finish the transition..." explained Elena immediately.

"I understand how it works. And that's what I'm prepared to do. Now get me out of here, I smell blood everywhere."

Caroline was shocked and confused at the same time, she turned and looked at Elena then Malik, the boy just gave a sympathetic smile before he turned to Bill began walking out with him. Caroline was quiet, unsure as to what to say.

Even as they exited the hospital Bill decided to travel with Malik not the girls, that shocked the blonde even more but seeing the reassuring smile from the warlock she nodded and complied with the request.

On the drive back Bill remained silent for a while just looked outside while the boy was driving, but after a while Malik addressed the man gently.

"I'm sorry, Mr Forbes."

"This is what was meant to be. I'll just need to remain strong and remain true to my belief. But enough of this sentimental stuff... you're warlock, right?"

"Yes."

"I heard witches and warlocks are supposed to protect the balance of nature."

"Two for two."

"Then why are you helping my daughter? She is a vampire, an imbalance to nature."

Malik was surprised by the question but after a moment of thinking he responded honestly.

"Caroline never had the choice in becoming a vampire. She was all alone in the supernatural world, she had no idea what was happening so at the end she completed her transition. My sister made her the ring to ensure she can have some of her old life back... not to fall into darkness. And she has been amazing ever since."

"But she is still a vampire..."

"Yes" agreed Malik. "But as long as she is not losing herself... I'm okay with it. She is strong, she found herself after turning and... well you've seen how much she has already accomplished."

"Yes, she is amazing."

"You know she will be devastated when she loses you."

"It is part of nature."

"I know" nodded the boy. "That won't be a good enough reason for her to accept it... so she might need a little help from you. One last time."

Bill looked at Malik who just smiled but kept his eyes on the road. Arriving back to the house Bill went inside and Liz took him to a room. Malik stayed on the porch and when Elena and Caroline joined him they tried to give her comfort.

"Did you hear back from Tyler yet?"

"No. I've left messages for him. Does Alaric really think that Dr Fell did it?"

"He doesn't know what to think."

"What about you?"

"I don't think she did it" reassured Malik. "But she might know who did."

"Elena?"

"I wish the girl Alaric liked wasn't in the middle of all of this. He deserves to be happy. But she looks guilty. It's why I told your mom."

Caroline just looked at her for a second before turning her eyes to the door and spoke quietly.

"My mom's in there sitting with my dad. And I don't think they've been in the same room this long since I was ten years old" she lingered on it for a second before a thought occurred to her and turning to Elena asked determinedly. "Is there any chance that Tyler did it?"

"What?" questioned Elena and Malik at the same time.

"If Klaus was trying to mess with you and he's sired to Klaus. I mean, he does everything that he's told."

"I don't think Tyler did it" reassured Elena immediately.

"There would be nothing in it for Klaus... coming for your father does not benefit him. You don't know anything about the coffins" added Malik and putting an arm around her squeezed her gently.

Caroline nodded but then her thoughts have returned to her father and the idea of loosing him. And she became frantic.

"I can't just let my father die. I'm gonna force him to feed."

"Hey, he doesn't want to, Caroline. The only thing your dad has is his choice..." spoke Malik and put his hand on hers but as she began to cry Malik looked up at Elena who got closer as well, hoping to console Caroline.

"Is there anything you can do Malik?" asked the girl desperately looking at the warlock as a last result. "You're a powerful warlock certainly there is something."

"Not without breaking the balance of nature Caroline" admitted the boy.

"Please save my daddy... please Mal."

Hearing her broken voice, seeing her cry, sensing her pain Malik was overwhelmed. Hugging the girl he had tears in his eyes a well, but tried to reason with her.

"I'm so sorry Caroline... try to think of it this way. Your father died in that hospital but you have been given a second chance to say goodbye, to tell him everything you wanted to. You can say goodbye. That's a gift."

Caroline was still sobbing, but sit seemed she was finally coming around, accepting his words. Her cries slowly stopped and letting go of each other, Malik wiped away her tears and gave her a warm smile.

"I hated him so much for what he did to me. Now all I want to do is save his life" commented Caroline looking back at the house. 

"Of course you do, he's your dad" answered Elena, understanding her feelings.

"What was the hardest part for you? When you lost your dad?" questioned Caroline looking at the brunette, Elena thought for a moment before she looked back at Caroline and gave her honest answer.

"Realizing all the things that he wouldn't be there for. The things that you just need your dad for, you know?"

Elena scooted over to Caroline and held her in her arms. Malik just smiled and them but the moment Matt showed up the girls looked at him.

" Hey"

"Hey" responded Caroline and getting up hugged him.

Malik got up as well and looking at the house let out a sigh. The trio turned back to look at the warlock who slowly turned his face to the side and looking at them spoke to Caroline gently.

"I'll try something... to make it easier for him."

"Thank you."

Walking into the house he slowly approached the bedroom Bill was staying in, as he got closer and closer he heard voices, soon it became clear that Liz and Bill were still talking. They only stopped when Malik arrived at the door, looking up at the boy they were surprised to see him there alone. Seeing their faces Malik reacted quickly to explain his presence.

"If you let me... I can try a spell that would make your cravings disappear and... ease everything."

"I'd appreciate that" smiled Bill and Liz nodded too with a grateful smile.

Walking to him Malik placed his hands on Bill's cheeks and closing his eyes began to whisper. He called upon the spirits, asking them for help, and soon enough he heard a gentle whisper in his ear, guiding him to help complete the spell.

For a brief moment the candles lit up in the room making the adults amazed by it.

The moment the candle lights disappeared and the boy opened his eyes Bill let out a relieved sigh. Mal took a step back and smiled at the man.

"How do you feel?" asked Liz.

"A lot better... I don't crave blood and my senses are back to normal. I'm just tired a bit."

"That will increase" answered the boy. "It's your guidance to the time you have left."

"Thank you, Malik" responded the man. "There is a favour I'd like to ask."

"Of course."

"You protected my little girl before. She is strong, beautiful and independent... but I want you to keep an eye on her. She will accomplish amazing things."

"I'll do my best."

Malik left the room and walking outside he hugged them again and while Caroline went inside to spend time with her dad, Matt offered to walk Elena home and Malik remained alone. Looking at the house he felt pain and immense sadness. He wasn't sure why all of this had to happen.

If vampires never existed... would things have turned out differently?

As he was wondering about that the spirits began to whisper to him, so he parked his car to the side and stopping it completely closed his eyes. This happened before, they wanted to show him something. Leaning back he opened his minds and soon enough he was in the cave with the stories on the wall, but this time it was Abby and Bonnie standing there with he coffin.

" You're not trying! We've been at this for over an hour."

"The spirits are angry with me. For leaving you. Maybe they didn't want me to have my powers again."

"I had all of those dreams for a reason. The spirits wanted me to find you because you're my mom. It's not them, it's you. You won't open yourself up to it. You know Dad never talked about you? And neither did Grams. We had no memories of you. So you know what I use to pretend? That you were dead. It was easier to do that than to wonder why you never came back for us... and Malik? He held onto hope for so long. Why do you think that even now he refuses to get involved? He found you and saw you chose to have Jamie as a son while you abandoned him..."

" There is no way I can tell you how sorry I am for what I did" Abby teared up.

"Yes there is. You can help me."

Bonnie placed her hands over the coffin again, reaching out for Abby's hands. Abby took her hands, and they began to recite the spell again. This time around, Bonnie could feel it was different.

The candles flared up, a deep rumbling could be heard around the cave and after a moment the candles returned to normal, everything gotten quiet.

Bonnie tried to open the coffin and the lit rattled but it still wouldn't open to their disappointment but it also gave them hope.

"It almost worked. I have to call Damon, tell him that we're getting closer. I'll be right back."

"Okay"

Opening his eyes he rubbed them when suddenly he felt a wave of energy, looking up he realised the spell worked and the coffin was finally open. The magic he felt was very old and potent but there was a familiar sensation in it that he couldn't explain.

It scared him.

Whoever got out of that coffin was someone not to meddle with. Someone old. But powerful.

He turned the car on and drove off quickly, but instead of going back to Elena's he went to find Bonnie and Abby.

When he finally got there he was rushing and getting into the caves used his phone as a torch until he ran into Damon and Stefan, who were surprised to see him but Malik didn't even say a word just began to move again in the cavern.

"Let's hope they got that coffin open."

"Something's gotta make this night worthwhile" commented Stefan as well that just made Malik roll his eyes.

However along the way he stopped the moment he found Bonnie on the ground unconscious.

"Bonnie" shouted Malik and rushed to his sister.

"Mama's still breathing, I can hear her" added Damon finding Abby as well.

Looking in the protected area where the coffin was kept Stefan saw that the coffin was open and no one was in it.

" Coffin's open."

" Well, it's not gonna do us any good. Whatever was in it is gone."