T h e M i k a e l s o n s B a l l

"It was their mother Esther who was sealed in that coffin" explained Elena looking at Stefan and Damon.

The night before she had a run in with Rebekah, attempting to kill her only to be saved by none other than Elijah.

It seemed the original vampire explained it all to her about how their mother appeared, forgave Klaus and wanted everyone to be one big family. Listening to all of that Malik just stayed quiet in the kitchen while watched the trio talking.

"Esther? As in... the Original Witch?" questioned Stefan who seemed confused by this revelation.

"How is she even alive? Thought her hybrid son ripped her heart out a thousand years ago."

"I don't know. I'm guessing she has a couple connections in the witching community. Elijah said that she wants to live in peace with her family, including Klaus."

"She was supposed to be the weapon to help us kill Klaus" stated Stefan and turned towards Malik, hoping he might have an idea.

" Well, not anymore... at least not according to Elijah" argued Elena.

"That coffin was the only thing stopping Klaus from tearing us to shreds" responded Stefan and looked at Damon.

"Anyone else feeling a little used right now?"

"Look, Elijah promised me that his family wouldn't hurt any of us" responded Elena when the doorbell rang. "I believe him."

Elena went and opened the door but there was no one is there, but on the doormat was an envelope with an ornately handwritten "Elena Gilbert" on the front. She picked it up, and while she closed the door turned around.

" What is it?" asked Damon.

"It's an invitation. "Please join the Mikaelson Family, this evening at seven o'clock. For dancing, cocktails and celebration.""

" Who the hell are the Mikaelsons?"

"The Original Family" explained Malik as he stopped next to Stefan.

"Wait, there's a note on the back" interrupted Elena and began to read the note on the back of the invitation. "Elena, I think it's time that we finally meet, Esther." If Esther wants to talk to me, maybe I should find out why."

"No way, she already tried to kill you" commented Damon.

"No, Elena is right. Bonnie was led to open that coffin for a reason. I think there is more to this than just some family reunion" argued Stefan looking at his brother.

"Can we go back in time where the old Stefan cared if Elena lived or died?"

"It's your job now."

"Stefan has a point, Damon. I should find out what she wants."

"You can't protect yourself."

"Okay fine, then I'll go" offered Stefan with a small smile.

"I think you've angered enough Originals to last a lifetime. I'll go" Damon snatched the invitation out of Elena's hand. "End of story."

Elena was about to argue but as he looked at Malik, he saw the boy gently shaking his head. The doppelgänger swallowed back whatever she was going to say, instead she agreed with a dismissive tone.

"Fine, I won't go."

The Salvatore brothers looked at her but before giving them an opportunity to question her Malik walked closer and changed the subject.

"Let's go Elena."

"Where are you going?" questioned Damon immediately.

"To spend some time away from you" responded Malik with a fake smile and ushered the girl out. "Too much dead testosterone is bad for one's health... so bye."

Once they got out of the house Malik closed the door not even giving the boys a chance to follow them, walking to the car they got in and Malik drove away from the Gilbert house. As they were driving Elena sighed and looking at Malik spoke.

"Do you think Damon is right?"

"Somewhat..." responded Malik diplomatically. "Esther will not harm you, but she is dangerous Elena. I don't think you should see her mostly because of what she is capable of. And as smart as Klaus is... she is the same. So do not believe a word she says."

"So if I decide to go anyway, you wouldn't tell them?"

"We are friends, Elena" responded Malik. "Just because we have a different opinion about things doesn't mean I will run to them and spill everything. Just... be careful. Esther is a powerful witch and she's channelling my ancestors..."

"I had no idea!"

"There isn't much me or even Bonnie can do against her. But no one needs to know this. So be careful."

Elena smiled and nodded. Right when they were thinking of turning around and heading back to the house Caroline called Elena to meet. Malik listened quietly as Elena explained everything to her friend, from the invitation to her saying that she told the vampire siblings she wont attend... but at the end Caroline wanted to meet as she had news about something important.

They exchanged a look but managed to meet her really quickly. Walking in the Mystic Grill they took a table and once Caroline arrived she broke the big news by putting an invitation on the table for them to see. Malik picked it up and looking at it was surprised.

"Save me a dance. Fondly Klaus" read out Malik while looking at it a bit confused.

"It's all so weird. The Originals are throwing a ball. Like an actual ball."

"I thought Klaus had a thing for Malik, especially after that sneaky kiss he stole..." commented Caroline with a knowing look earning a surprised one from Elena, but the the blonde quickly continued. "And why does the Evil Witch want an audience with you?"

"I have no idea. There's only one way to find out."

"I thought you told Damon and Stefan that you weren't going" accused Caroline looking at the brunette.

"I did, which is all the more reason why I need a drama free bodyguard."

"Well, I think a Salvatore would look a lot better in a tux. And by that I mean Stefan."

"I can't deal with either of the Salvatores right now. Whatever Stefan is feeling, he is channelling it all against Klaus. And Damon... it's just not a good idea."

"Why, cause you two made out?" challenged Caroline gently. "Malik spilled the beans."

Malik just smirked and looked at Elena who seemed guilty and quickly began to explain herself.

"I was gonna tell you. But after everything that happened with your dad..."

"Elena, when you and Matt kissed for the first time freshman year, you called me the second it happened. And now I don't hear about this till now, and from somebody else."

"I'm sorry. It's just I... I don't even know how I feel about it yet. All I know is that it just used to be so much easier."

Malik was about to interfere and drop his comments when Rebekah appeared next to them and interrupted the conversation.

"Careful you two. It's all well and good until she stabs you in the back."

"What are you doing here? I know your mom's rules. No hurting the locals" responded Elena immediately.

"Get over yourself Elena. It's not all about you. Oh and Malik, how would you feel about an opportunity to spend the evening at that ball and also annoy Klaus to no end?"

Malik raised an eyebrow and looked down at the invitation in Caroline's hand before he looked back at the original and a smirk appeared on his face, which was matched by Rebekah who handed him an invitation.

"Look for the person mentioned in that invitation... I'm sure the night will be fun."

Rebekah walked away over to Matt and gave him an invitation envelope to the ball. Malik smiled at that but his awe moment was interrupted when he noticed Caroline and Elena's reaction.

"Oh my god. She's inviting him to the ball. Why is she inviting him?"

" Probably to get this reaction from us."

Malik snorted which earned the attention of the girl but seeing their confused face he deadpanned.

"Or she simply fancies Matt. Not everything involves you Elena."

" What time is this stupid dance?" scoffed Caroline and looked at her watch.

Malik just shook his head with a smile and opening his invitation looked at it then turning it over saw a message left on the back.

"I'm looking forward to our dance darling. Kol"

As the evening came around Malik stood in Jeremy's room looking in the mirror. He wore a black shirt with the black trousers but on top he wore a burgundy suit. He refused to wear the same outfit all the other men did. No, he wanted to be different.

He was texting Bonnie, telling her he was going to that ball and see what was happening while she told him all about she and Abby did and how much they missed him.

But he was hurt. And wasn't sure what to do about it.

He really wanted to connect with Abby but seeing that Jamie was there as well would have just triggered him. And he wasn't sure he could handle that. He wanted a good time with his mother not lash out at her or at Jamie.

As he looked at himself he let out a sigh and picking up his invitation left the house while Elena was still getting ready. They agreed that they should go separately so that it wouldn't be suspicious. 

In the mansion Damon and Stefan were already there, knowing full well Elena might appear and also to keep an eye on the original family.

"Hello Carol" spoke Damon as he approached the mayor.

"Hello" responded the woman and they clinked glasses.

"Hanging out with your new besties?"

"I'm the mayor, Damon. When the oldest, deadliest, family of vampires moves into your town, you welcome them with a smile."

"At least you know who you're borrowing that cup of sugar from."

"I'm trying to protect this town. They've assured me they want peace, and I've assured them that I'd enforce it."

Their conversation was interrupted when Kol walked over and taking Carol's hand planted a gentle kiss on it d as he greeted her.

"Mayor Lockwood, we haven't met. I'm Kol Mikaelson. I hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it."

Damon immediately interrupted and putting on his public character held out his hand to shake Kol's hand.

"Damon Salvatore. Have we met?"

However Kol did not shake his hand. He just looked the older Salvatore dead in the eye and responded in a slightly condescending tone.

"I've met a lot of people. And you don't particularly standout" he looked away for a moment in an attempt to leave but seeing someone enter his eyes widened for a second and keeping his eyes on the newcomer continued. "Now him on the other hand... I believe is the surprise date my sister told me about."

Kol walked away from them while Damon and Carol looked at where he was going and Damon's eyes widened in realisation of who the original vampire was talking about. Malik walked in drawing attention with his burgundy suit and looking around he seemed slightly nervous.

As he stood there Kol approached him and the moment the charmer stopped in front of him, holding his hand out he smiled and spoke gently.

"I must say... my sister does have an eye for beauty."

"Kol" responded Malik with a small smile and put his hand in Kol's.

"It is lovely to finally meet you darling" responded the original and kissed his hand gently. "Shall we?"

Malik just nodded and walked with him but Kol did not let go of his hand, made sure to held onto it while getting them both a drink. Once he handed that over he did not stop looking at him.

"You seem fascinated" commented Malik and met his eyes. "Is there a reason why?"

"My dear little sister Rebekah told me she found the perfect date for me that would also annoy Niklaus to no end" responded the original with an amused smile on his face. "I wanted to know more... like why was he so smitten by you. So then she told me about what kind of a witch you are and that made me more intrigued by you than anything else she could have said."

"You've practiced magic before you were vampire. Is that right?" responded Malik casually. "Or have I been given the wrong information."

"I'm surprised you know this."

"When plotting Klaus' death, mostly because not knowing you all were actually safe Elijah opened up to me. And he gave me a glimpse of what happened. I learned a few things. Among those was the fact that only you tapped into your witch side."

"That's correct—"

"I'm sorry" cut in Malik that surprised the original.

"What do you mean?" tried Kol but Malik interrupted him again and stepping closer grabbed his other hand.

"You practiced magic, which means you felt it all... you knew what it meant to be nature's advocate. And you lost it all... I remember the moment I began to feel her around me... and the spirits. If I lost them... I'm not sure what I would do."

Kol turned gentle and his charming attitude changed. He could see Malik was genuine with him and understood the pain he felt for over a thousand years.

"I've met a lot of witches in my life... but you're something else, Malik Bennett."

"Obviously" teased the boy and a smile appeared on his face.

They kept eye contact for a while, Kol began to lean closer when suddenly there was glass clicking and Elijah's voice rang through the room to gather everyone together. This was a clear sign for Kol to return to his family.

"Please excuse me... I shall be back promptly" responded Kol and placing a kiss on his hand let go of him and walked up the stairs to be with the rest of his family.

"Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. So please, find yourself a partner and join us in the great hall."

Malik looked at Esther and watched her for a bit, not noticing all the other people who in fact looked at him in that moment. It was until Elijah appeared in front of him with a smile and spoke gently when he tore away from Esther and realised the offered hand.

"May I have this dance?"

Malik was shocked. He never though Elijah would approach him, so he nodded automatically and let himself be walked off. He remained silent and danced with the original until he began to talk.

"I understand my sister invited you to be paired with my younger brother Kol... obviously for the purpose of teasing Klaus."

"I'm not sure how would that tease Klaus..."

"You're modest, Malik. But something tells me by the looks of both of my brothers' is that one, the plan worked and two... Kol did not mean to be this interested in you."

Looking away Malik noticed how Kol kept looking at him, not even looking at the person he was dancing with and while Klaus was dancing with Caroline, he kept glancing at him too. And that surprised him.

Looking back at Elijah the vampire just smiled and looked him in the eye, which Malik understood as a sign of request. He allowed himself to reach out and in a moment, everything stopped allowing the space to be occupied only by the two of them standing there.

"What's happening?" asked Malik gently looking at the vampire.

"My mother is plotting something. I can feel it, but I hope I'm wrong. Is there anything you know?"

"Not yet" responded Malik. "I have distanced myself from my sister and... my mother."

"I see... I'm sure you already know this but my mother..."

"Yes, Elijah. She is planning something. But I think we will have to see... she requested to see Elena which is odd. Be careful."

He stopped the connection and they were back in the ballroom, the dance commenced like nothing happened. Both of them smiled and continued to dance.

Elijah span him around and he was happy but the moment he landed in someone else's arm at first took him off guard but soon he met with a big smile and a soothing voice.

"Hello darling, we meet again."

Malik just laughed brightly and looking at Kol allowed himself to be comfortable. Swaying with him they looked each other in the eye and enjoyed the dance.

Malik was feeling good, he actually had a good time until he heard Klaus' voice not far from him.

"I'm glad you came."

Malik looked over and watched Caroline and Klaus for a bit which caught Kol's attention, while watching for a bit he noticed some emotions in the warlock's eyes and he wasn't certain as to what to think.

"I see you care for one of them... is it my brother?" asked Kol surprising Malik for a moment, but then he just smiled and responded.

"Caroline is my friend. I just want to make sure she is alright."

Kol watched him for a second and leaning closer spoke quietly into his hear.

"I see you care for her... but I also see you're not indifferent towards my brother."

For a moment Malik's eyes widened but then leaning away from him just smiled.

"I care for Caroline. I'm not sure whether it is romantic or not. And to be honest with you I do not care to find out" the warlock responded and the moment they span around he whispered a quick spell and Caroline landed in his arms. Surprising the blonde she looked at Malik but then finally relaxed.

"I'm so glad... what are you here with one of them?"

"I should be asking the same" teased Malik while Caroline just shook her head and the two of them just continued to dance.

The duo continued to dance, keeping eye contact and for some reason they both became comfortable and their senses shifted.

This time it was just the two of them finally relaxing and not thinking about anything else.

Just like during Miss Mystic Falls event the moment they stared at each other's eyes everything disappeared. Caroline smiled at him feeling happy and grateful, for a little while forgetting about the world.

"Thank you... I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

"I feel the same Caroline. But be careful. Okay?"

Caroline was surprised but as the spin was about to happen Malik planted a kiss on her check and the moment she was span around, Malik disappeared.

Caroline did not see Malik again, which is why once the dance ended she walked outside after talking to Matt at the dance. To calm herself she walked outside and she was looking at the horses.

"You like horses?" came the voice of Klaus from behind her.

"I'm not talking to you until you tell me why you invited me here" responded Caroline and rolled her eyes.

"I fancy you. Is that so hard to believe?" responded Klaus looking at the girl.

"Yes!"

"Why? I enjoy you."

"Really? Then why were you constantly glancing towards Malik? I've seen how you look at him. I'm not an idiot Klaus, you're trying to rile him up and whatever games you're playing I want no part of it."

"Like you trying to figure out how to break Tyler's sire bond? Please."

"How did you know?"

"I've been alive for a long time Caroline" responded the hybrid then turned to the horse. "You know, horses are the opposite of people. They're loyal. My father hunted me for a thousand years and the closest he ever came was the day he killed my favourite horse. He severed its neck with a sword as a warning."

"Did you ever consider sitting down with your father and talking it out?"

"Well, I'm afraid my relationship with my father was a little bit more complex than yours."

"Maybe. But I let my father go with no regrets. And to answer your question, yes, I like horses. But I also like people and they actually like me so I'll be inside."

Malik was walking around the mansion exploring everything it had to offer. It was so vast and rich that his thoughts were completely enamoured with the knowledge it contained. His through were only interrupted when he got into a study and as he stepped in, he saw Damon rush to Stefan and getting on top of him snarled.

"Where's Elena?" questioned Damon.

"Exactly where she belongs, talking with Esther."

"What did you do?"

"Don't blame me. This was all her idea, right down to breaking your neck" responded Stefan and pushed Damon off himself. "You know, maybe you should stop being such a controlling dick, Damon."

"I'm the problem here?"

"Yeah, well, your emotions are getting in the way of our plan. Because you care too much."

Damon rushed to Stefan and attacked him but suddenly both of them felt pain in their heads, the sensation of their blood boiling and their veins popping was something they never felt before, backing away screamed until it began to ease and looking up they noticed Malik standing at the door simply looking at them. However his facial expression said it all:

He was furious.

None of them dared to say a word, his whole presence was so dominating, scary and angry that they both realised it was better to stay quiet.

"I had enough of you both" began Malik while stopping his aneurysm spell. "Elena is the doppelgänger which means her blood is a potent ingredient for any spell! Not to mention the key to creating hybrids. And you just let her be alone with Esther?!"

Both of the vampires left the room rapidly, Malik just let out a sigh and rubbing his temples walked around the mansion, all he wanted to do was to relax and be away from the others.

As he did so he arrived back at the bar and to numb everything he ordered a drink but someone stopped right next to him, making him scoff but smile.

"Oh, it's you."

"Careful love, I might think you're not happy to see me" teased Klaus and looking at the bartender just waved his fingers, ordering his own drink. "I'm surprised to see you here. Kol seemed quite possessive and interested in you."

"Meeting Elijah and you were overwhelming enough... I think I've had enough run-ins with Originals in my life" responded Malik and accepted his drink.

"Is that so?" began Klaus and looking down on the boy's hand spoke gently. "If you had enough of us... what is the excuse of you wearing the bracelet I gave you."

Malik was speechless, he was opening his mouth to respond but couldn't. It seemed Klaus enjoyed it greatly but luckily to the warlock they all heard the clinking of the glasses, which made both of them walk to the main hall.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen" greeted Esther gaining everyone's attention. "Waiters are coming around with champagne. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" chorused the crowed and Malik held his own drink not the champagne but looking at Klaus shook his head gently but clinked their glasses and took a sip of his drink while not breaking eye contact with the hybrid.

In that moment he felt something odd, like there was a magical pull but before he could have investigate it further, he felt the spirits whispering to him. He listened to them for a bit telling him at was al alright nothing to worry about, then simply shrugged and turning to Klaus the hybrid just watched him before speaking quietly.

"Come, I want to show you something."

Malik walked after Klaus, gently cutting through people the young warlock remained silent and Klaus didn't speak either. He took him to a large room that was filled with paintings on the walls.

"What did you want to show me?" asked the boy and looking around observed all that the room had to offer.

"One of my passions."

"Impressive. Is this your way of telling me you're an art collector?" questioned the warlock and walking around began to examine all the art pieces in the room.

"Not exactly."

"What about these? Where'd you get this from?" Malik held his wrist with the bracelet on it.

"Well, that's a long story. But rest assured it was worn by a royalty almost as magnificent as you."

Hearing that Malik rolled his eyes expressively to ensure the hybrid could not see how fluttered that made him feel, however when Klaus looked away in embarrassment that somewhat surprised the warlock. Tilting his head he turned fully to the hybrid and spoke gently.

"I don't get you. While we are in here you're flirting with me and being all charming but then why did you invite Caroline?"

"I had my reasons" teased the hybrid. "But it seemed Caroline was more interested in trying to make me let Tyler go..."

Malik just scoffed at that comment but then he looked back onto the table and seeing the sketches a sudden realisation hit him.

"Oh my god... did you do these?"

"Yeah, um... actually one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage, not that anyone would notice. Have you been?"

"I've never really been around much" admitted the warlock while continued to look through the sketches. "Only Mystic Falls and my school I was put into but I was limited from leaving."

"I'll take you. Wherever you want Rome. Paris. Tokyo?"

"Oh wow!" exclaimed Malik and they both laughed, but looking at Klaus he turned somewhat serious. "Not all of us has the liberty to just do whatever we want. Tell me, is that one of the reasons why you're still obsessed with hybrids? An army of minions doing anything you want?"

"You're making assumptions."

"Maybe but here is something realistic for you. Your father didn't love you, so you assume that no one else will either. And that's why you compel people or you try to buy them off" ranted Malik and took his bracelet off and threw it on the table. "But that's not how it works. You don't connect with people which also means you don't even try to understand them. Ands I want no part of that."

He didn't want to wait for an answer, he stormed out of there abruptly, looking for Caroline, hoping the two of them could leave while Elena threw caution to the wind. As he began searching, he ran into Esther, but it seemed only Malik was surprised by the sudden encounter.

"Malik Bennett" greeted Esther with a smile. "I'm glad to see you."

"Esther" responded the boy politely but he also seemed guarded and alert.

"I promise you, there is nothing you have to fear from me. I think it's time we had a chat."

Malik just nodded and followed her to another room which seemed like a library. Looking around he saw a lot of books that awed him. Esther watched the young warlock for a bit before she began talking.

"You're quite different from the others."

"I'll take it as a compliment" chuckled the boy and taking a book off the shelf continued. "But I have a feeling you're talking about the anomalies."

"Quite right" agreed the witch with a smile. "If I'm correct Elijah already mentioned you about the stories I've told them as children. About very special witches."

"Oh yes" mused the boy while looking into the book. "The witches who were able to travel the spiritual plane."

"That is a very simplistic version of it" chuckled Esther and walking closer stopped in front of the warlock. "You call your ability a shadow spell. In reality, your ability was copied by witches is the shadow spell. You... well, you have the ability to visit the spiritual plane, to be with the spirits. They are whispering to you, guiding you."

Malik stopped reading and his eyes widened for a moment. He knew she was right... lately the spirits were talking to him a lot more than they were with Bonnie or any other witch he knew. Closing the book he put it back on the shelf and turning to Esther focused on her.

"So what does that mean?"

"It means that you were meant to be a great warlock, if not the greatest... but be careful. No one is invincible. And while you have the potential to unlock devastating power your body is still human."

Suddenly they heard crashes and gasps, exchanging a look they both rushed out of there just in time to see a clear view of Damon having a maniac face on and someone on the ground. People began to notice it, which alarmed Esther among with the others.

In that moment Malik trough caution out the window and looking at Esther grabbed her hands.

"You are channelling my bloodline... that should be enough to make it work."

Esther just nodded and holding the boy's hands as well smiled. Malik's eyes turned golden and the witch began to chant gently. The originals watched in amazement as all the guest seemed to blink a few times and just got along their business, saying goodbye they all gathered to leave, not even noticing Kol on the ground, which allowed Elijah to pick his brother up and take him inside.

Once the last of the guest have began to leave Esther stopped chanting and watched as people left, turning to Malik whispered gently.

"You should go as well. Have your rest. And Malik? Thank you for helping my family."

Malik just nodded and began to walk out, but seeing the vampires' faces he just glanced at Elijah before rushing out he got into his car and drove off quickly.

Uncertainty surrounded him as he thought back to the events of the evening... it was all too confusing. He drove quickly and nervously, but after a while he finally made it back. Walking into the Gilbert home he went upstairs and sent out a text message to Jeremy asking him if he was okay to have a quick call to talk. While he was undressing his phone went of suddenly and it was Jeremy calling.

"Hey Jer."

"Man, a lot happened in such a short time! Are you okay?"

"I don't know Jer" responded the boy honestly. "Why do you think I'm still hiding in your room?"

"Feel free" laughed the boy.

"Enough of this Mystic Falls drama... tell me about Denver."

"It's great man, you have to visit me one day."

"Maybe I will" responded the boy with a smile. "Hopefully sooner rather than later."

"Just call me any time... but perhaps you need to get away from there too, I have been more relaxed than ever. You need to stop being involved."

"I know..." his window suddenly opened but as he turned around no one was there so he continued his conversation with Jeremy like nothing happened, not wanting to alarm his friend. "My Grams used to tell me that constantly. She's probably glad you're doing it in her stead."

Both of them laughed and Malik walked to the window and noticed there was a velvet package there.

"It was great to hear your voice... but you need to get some sleep and so do I. Unfortunately, I won't get a day off tomorrow."

"That's alright man, just message me if you need anything. "

As they hung up he sat down on the bed and opening the package took out the bracelet again but this time there was a little scroll in it as well.

He looked surprised but opening the scroll it was a drawing of him and a note with a distinguished handwriting saying:

"Thank you for your honesty, Klaus."