T h e U n f a i t h f u l G a t h e r

Mystic Falls' Town centre was nicely decorated, all ready for the Winter Wonderland Charity event. Malik walked around enjoying the setup, after all he had helped designing a lot of it.

He was glad that all that hybrid business he could still find time to prepare.

Walking around his peaceful morning was interrupted soon enough when Caroline found him, but her face was both worried and angry.

"My idiot boyfriend just told me that they are planning to make a move against Klaus... and he is sacrificing himself."

"I swear to god..." sighed Malik and rubbed his temples tiredly. "Can we have at least one event in this town when there isn't a grand plan of murder or anything?"

"Trust me I'm with you on that" agreed Caroline and pulled out her phone. "Stefan is late he promised to meet me here... Where is Bonnie?"

"Helping Jeremy with this hunter business. She asked to do it and Jeremy seemed eager so... I'm staying out of it for now."

"You should join them."

"What about the whole Klaus thing?"

"We will be fine, I'll try and get Tyler to delay it for a bit."

"Hey, sorry, I know I'm late" came to voice of Stefan over the phone who finally managed to pick it up.

Caroline just held up a finger to Malik in attempt to stop him from talking and spoke into the phone while they continued to walk.

"If I'm gonna be a friend in your time of need, then you to need to work on your punctuality. I'm in a crisis. Where are you?"

"I'm at my house. Why? What's wrong?"

"My boyfriend is a dumbass martyr. Wait, and why are you at your house? Aren't you trying to keep your distance from Elena?"

"Well, she's not here anymore. Damon took Jeremy to the lake house with Bonnie so I guess her house is safe for her again. Hey, listen, I got Klaus to tell me a little bit more about this Hunter's sword. You know that map in Jeremy's tattoo? The sword decodes it. It's literally the key to finding the cure."

"Klaus told you this?" asked Malik surprised.

"Yeah, why?"

"And did he happen to hand over the sword for safekeeping?" asked Caroline in desperate hope although they all knew the answer to that question.

"What do you think?" asked Stefan in a very duh tone but hearing Caroline and Malik sigh on the other end he began to worry. "What's wrong?"

"We need to get our hands on that sword. Like today. Tyler and his hybrids are taking out Klaus tonight."

"You said you will try and delay it" interrupted Malik.

"Yes, but if it won't work we still better have the sword."

"Klaus will kill us if he survives the night and finds out the sword is stolen."

"Caroline is right" interrupted Stefan. "Klaus is going to the opening of this event, I need you to distract him..."

"He will know I'm only there to distract him" argued Malik. "You guys are using me all the time! And you promised there wouldn't be another!"

"Please Mal" begged Caroline.

"If I end up dating the guy you lot better not say a word! I already blame all of you."

He was already dreading this whole situation. He began to see a nicer side of Klaus, one that began to explain all his actions and Malik wasn't sure he wanted to do all of this to him.

While he was trying to come up with ways to stay away from all of this drama and being the Klaus bait, he got ready for the evening. Putting on a cream-coloured shirt he left it somewhat open, put on his necklace and his rings. Once his form fitting trousers and black shoes were on too, he just fixed his slightly messy hair and looking in the mirror stared at himself for a moment.

Standing there he watched himself and it was strange seeing the man in the mirror.

There were no traits of the innocent high school nerd he was not too long ago. After everything that happened he could see it all in his own eyes.

Shaking his head Malik pulled himself together and grabbing his keys and wallet began walking to the town centre.

Approaching the Mystic Grill, he looked around for a moment, seeing outside in the Town Square, children were running around in the fake snow and started snowball fights.

He was content, it seemed this event was going to be brilliant after all. Not to mention he had something to look forward to, his phone conversation with Eric later on.

Inside the Grill, Malik was admiring the postmodern snowflake, stepping closer he noticed the familiar technique and soon realised who was the owner of that painting. His thoughts were interrupted when he sensed his presence.

Turning around he saw Klaus standing there looking at him with a smile on his face, the warlock fully turned towards him and decided to tease the hybrid a little.

"Here to steal Tiny Tim's crutches?"

"Dickens was a dark man. You would have liked him."

Klaus walked around the table towards the warlock, but Malik made his way to the other side of the table so that they were still apart.

"I like your snowflake, by the way."

"Is my work really that literal?"

"I'm actually serious. There's something... lonely about it" added Malik and his eyes returned back to the snowflake.

Klaus watched the boy's face for a moment before he decided to respond.

"I can tell you mean it as a compliment. Can I offer you champagne?"

Malik blinked and tearing his eyes away from the painting turned around and began to leave, but Klaus went after him quickly, noticing this the warlock began talking.

"Too many adult prying eyes" he turned around to face the hybrid but Klaus already closed the gap between them standing only a step or two away. "Don't want to be a cautionary tale at the next town meeting."

"Well, then it's a good thing the high school part is nearly over."

They stared at each other for a moment, Malik noticed how the hybrid was taking in his features shamelessly, so he had to prolong this stare down.

"If we're going to be super nice to each other, then I will need that glass of champagne."

Klaus smiled and walked closer towards Malik, making the gap very small between them barely any space remained as the hybrid began talking quietly.

"Is that our thing?"

Feeling his hot breath on him made Malik shiver, it took all his strength to remain unaffected by the hybrid. He saw him look down on his lips and back into his eyes, looking for any sign of interest. Which made the boy quickly act: he averted his eyes and taking a step towards another display spoke up in a casual tone.

"I suppose that remains to be seen."

"Allow me" responded Klaus, his smile did not waver, he just walked away to get them some champagne.

Malik watched him walk away and looking up he saw Caroline standing there, he just nodded at her and the blonde immediately pulled her phone out.

Malik stood there for a bit and soon enough Klaus returned with their champagne, taking it from the hybrid the warlock just thanked him and the two of them began walking around admiring all the other showcases.

"So, have you thought about it? What you want to do after high school?" asked Klaus curiously.

"Every time I try, there is this little nagging voice in the back of my head saying I don't have that opportunity. Perhaps I should just travel a little, see the world."

"I could take you" offered Klaus, but Malik was quick to roll his eyes. "I mean it, wherever you wanted."

"It was a joke Klaus" responded Malik. "Who's to say what will happen once I finish school? Don't forget I also have a father who wants to keep me here close to my sister. She does need me bless her heart. Not to mention it would not bode well if I used magic on my mortal father."

"I admire your loyalty to your sister. But sometimes you must be selfish..."

"If you say so" responded the boy offhandedly, sipping his champagne.

"Your time is limited, isn't that what you kept saying? You don't have eternity to enjoy everything the world has to offer; you need to do it now."

Malik was about to respond when some of the adult organisers approached Klaus due to his generous charity contributions, that was the moment when he looked at Caroline. The blonde indicated him to join her, seeing that Klaus was swarmed by the adults Malik just waved to the hybrid and mouthed his leave then slipped away to join Caroline.

"You okay?" asked Caroline worried.

"You were listening weren't you" commented Malik and narrowed his eyes at her, but Caroline just gave an innocent smile. "I better go and see how Jeremy's doing."

"Thank you for everything."

"Just try to delay things, will you?"

"I'll try my best."

Malik just nodded and walking out of the Grill he aimed to get back home as soon as he could, only to get into his car and drive to the lake house. He listened to the radio, having the music on loud signing along with it. He was going somewhat faster than probably should have, but with everything happening in Mystic Falls and Klaus... he just wanted to be away.

Once he arrived at the lake house, he stopped the car and stared at it for a moment, before getting out of it walked to the house and walked inside. As he walked around looking for everyone he heard them talking.

"You okay? Shane wants to try again" came the voice of Bonnie, but soon enough it was followed by Damon's.

"Ehhh" Malik just snorted hearing Damon's imitation of a buzzer. "Professor Shane has been dipping into the magical herbs a little too much if he thinks using a vampire to suppress the need to kill another one is gonna work on a Hunter. Just find someone else to attach your warm detour feelings to."

Over the course of Damon's little speech, he had glanced at Bonnie numerous times, clearly hinting to Jeremy who he should place his feelings on, but it seemed none of them picked it up, while the warlock decided to wait it out. It was either going to be very awkward for him or really fun.

"I wonder who that could be" commented Damon again looking around but this time Jeremy caught on and looking at Bonnie spoke.

"You" Bonnie looked at him, slightly shocked while Malik began to regret his gamble. "I feel that way about you."

Bonnie looked at him with a small smile, Jeremy just couldn't help but grin as well. As sweet as them too looked, Malik exchanged a look with Damon and the vampire spoke immediately.

"Well, this isn't awkward at all. I'll be anywhere else."

"Yeah..." commented Malik as well. "I probably should have waited over there..."

Walking away from there he left the two of them alone with their own awkwardness and meeting up with Damon he looked at the vampire then to Elena in the distance.

"You know I'm not a fan of you..."

"You don't say."

"But..." interrupted Malik and looked at the vampire. "How are you holding up? Did Shane offer any solution?"

"The witches can't break it, he can't do the same hypnosis... so it's not the best."

"I'm sure there are ways to break the bond" commented Malik and grabbing a glass poured himself some water. "I mean I understand that the hybrid sire bond was more straight forward and up close so the solution was there. But what's the vampire sire bond rooted in?"

"I'm supposed to send her away and let her go" shrugged Damon which made Malik raise an eyebrow.

"That's not breaking it... that's simply keeping the person away from you, sure they have their own life but all it takes is one meeting and you're back to square one. Breaking it means you sever the connection so that even if you're with them they cannot be influenced."

"According to that witch that's how you do it."

"Yeah right" responded Malik rolling his eyes. "Like a witch would actually know it. I'm speaking against myself and my kind Damon but we don't have all the answer. Don't forget that."

Walking away from there Malik met up with Shane who seemed quite excited to see the boy while he was holding a heavy object in his hands, wrapped in a cloth.

"What do you have there?"

"You've seen this before in my first lecture you attended... come on, I'm about to show this to Damon and Elena."

Walking into he room Elena sat across from Shane while Damon stood next to the couch Elena was sitting on. Shane unwrapped the package which was an old rock. Malik recognised the rock immediately, but it seemed Damon was neither interested nor did he remember it.

"It's a rock."

"It's not just any rock."

Hearing that Damon remembered the lecture they all attended and rolling his eyes got up and walked to the little bar and poured himself a drink.

"Hm, so is this that silly little wives tale that you told at the occult exhibit?"

"Right, long story short: Once upon a time, there was a witch named Silas who loved a girl, who wanted to be with her forever, so he and his best friend, another witch, made an immortality spell and then Silas' best friend witch got jealous and killed Silas' girl before he had a chance to make her immortal. Well, cursed to an eternity without his one true love, Silas finds a way to reverse the immortality spell and then before he has the chance to take it, his former friend buries him underground, leaving him and the cure to rot."

"So, it's a cure for immortality?"

"Human blood is the life force of an immortal. No more immortality, no more need to feed on blood. You dig up Silas and you've got your cure."

Elena and Damon looked at Shane, still soaking in this new information, but Malik just looked at the stone and getting up spoke looking at Shane.

"No offence, Shane... but something doesn't add up. Why would Qetsiyah curse him if they were best friends... I'm sorry but it seems like Silas' story."

"Times were different Mal" explained Shane. "Best friends back then and now are different. Now... I've heard you have a drawing of the hunter's mark."

Malik sat down next to Elena and waited while Shane looked at it and began to explain what was on it.

"This is the mark of the Brotherhood of the Five. And up the arm, you have the murder of a girl by a witch. The symbols in the vines are your map, which obviously, you no longer need. When this mark is complete, it will contain the spell that we need to dig up Silas."

"And where'd you say he was buried? Oh, I forgot, you didn't" sassed Damon with a smirk but Shane just looked at him and responded with a same attitude.

"You've threatened to kill me, what, like three times already this week. The location is how I'm gonna survive your bad moods."

"And what's in it for you? If not the cure, then what?" questioned Elena which kinda impressed Malik, seeing the brunette actually think things through.

"I'm in this for Silas, all right? Up until this point he's only been myth."

"So write a thesis" retorted Damon again.

"Would you rather be the guy who writes about Noah's Ark or the one who sails it down the Hudson River?" asked Shane and standing up folded the paper with the Hunter's mark drawing.

Damon had his hand out for the drawing and he looked down at Elena and Malik as Shane placed the drawing into his open hand.

"I'm not buying it."

"You don't have to buy anything" responded Shane in a not caring tone and turned to Elena. "You just have to believe that I can fix your brother. And when his Hunter's mark is complete, I'm gonna take you to the cure."

Shane walked out of the room, but Malik's suspicious nature began to take over. The more he heard the less believable this whole situation seemed. Was it really that simple? Was there really an immortal being capable of all of this?

No, something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Getting up from there he walked into he other room where Bonnie was working with Jeremy, having him under hypnosis. As he stood there Shane walked down the stairs looking at his phone for a bit before he put it away addressed Bonnie.

"How's it going?"

"I think we're making progress" responded Bonnie when suddenly Malik's phone went off and looking at it he picked it up.

"Caroline, hey."

"Malik, I need you to think fast. I know that the daggers don't work on Klaus but what if we put his essence into Rebekah? It'll work, right? Say it'll work!"

"Slow down, what's happening?" asked Malik turning away from the others.

"Just, come on, Malik. Will it work?"

"I don't see why not... the daggers work on the body, not their spirit, but might not be as affective. So if you want to incapacitate Klaus that would work for a while but not permanently."

"Uh, Malik Bennett, I love you!"

"Do you need my help? I can leave Elena and Bonnie here with Jeremy."

"Elena? She's there too?"

"Yeah, apparently she came with Damon. Who's being slightly less horrible than usual."

"You know what? I can't deal with this right now."

Caroline ended the call abruptly, which surprised Malik but then he returned his attention to Bonnie and Jeremy. He watched the duo work for a bit longer but once Bonnie stopped the hypnosis Jeremy opened his eyes and looking around spoke up.

"Did it work?"

"We better test it out" responded Malik with a warm smile. "I'm sure it will be fine."

Jeremy got up and rushed out of there, having the Bennett siblings go after him immediately. Walking into the other room they found Elena and Damon and Jeremy was quick to call out to his sister.

"Elena."

Hearing his voice Damon got up and walked closer to them. Jeremy had a stake in his hand but feeling confident in himself he turned to Damon for a moment.

"It's okay. I think we've got this."

Bonnie walked towards Elena to reassure her best friend as well.

"Elena, don't move, okay? No matter what."

Elena saw the stake in Jeremy's hand and seemed nervous, noticing that Shane decided to spoke up for a good measure.

"Jeremy, remember the detour. Choose the right path."

Jeremy nodded and started to walk towards Elena. Damon intercepted him, blocking his way, but instead of attacking Jeremy looked over at Bonnie who smiled at him.

Jeremy looked down at the stake, then held it up for Damon to take.

Damon took it from him with a surprised face but seeing this action he stepped aside allowing him to walk over to Elena. Jeremy stopped in front of Elena and wrapped his arms around her.

Elena finally relaxed and gave into it; she wrapped her arms back around him and smiled. In a long time, she was finally able to hug her little brother. She didn't have to worry; she could be with him at any time. Seeing this spectacle both Bonnie and Malik smiled at them as well.

Once they let go of each other Elena and Jeremy began talking, Bonnie just looked at Malik who also looked at her and they held hands, when suddenly Malik felt something he hasn't in a very long time. The back of his head began to burn, he grunted out in pain and trying to grab the nearest object fell onto his knees.

"Malik, what's going on?" asked Bonnie looking at the boy but seeing the dim golden lights in his eyes, she smiled and grabbing his head spoke up. "Let it in... don't fight it Mal!"

The boy just complied looking into his sister's eyes and once the sensation ran through him he began to hear voices first.

"Kim..." spoke Adrian in a strained voice and soon enough the girl responded.

"No!"

It didn't take long for Malik to put things together... Caroline did not manage to delay things, the hybrids moved on with their plan and unfortunately for them Klaus found out about the betrayal.

The level of sadness and pain he felt was overwhelming. His vision cleared and instead of looking at Bonnie he had images of the events unfolding in the forest.

Adrian fell down on his knees, Klaus stood behind him holding out his bloody heart in his hand before he dropped it on the ground.

He even had the Hunter's sword in his hand and began to rush at the hybrids, slashing at them with the sword one by one without mercy. Malik could feel the rage and anger that fuelled him, Klaus could not see any reason in that moment. But for some reason the warlock felt sorry for the original hybrid.

"No..." whimpered Malik falling to the ground trying to grab something. "Don't... so much pain and suffering... Klaus..."

Bonnie was shocked and looked at the others, but none of them knew what was happening, she just grabbed Malik's hand and spoke gently.

"I'm here, Mal... We're all here. What's happening?"

"Klaus... he is killing his hybrids..." whispered Malik which the group, Bonnie looked at Elena then Damon, none of them could utter a word. Bonnie returned to Malik and placing his hands on his cheeks encouraged her brother.

"Focus, Mal."

Malik did as Bonnie asked, he allowed the images to enter his mind and right in that moment he was in the forest not far from the Lockwood cellar.

Klaus had slashed at one of the hybrids who fell to the ground. Another hybrid jumped at him, ready to attack him, but Klaus sliced her head off with the sword without a moment of hesitation. No one was safe. Yet Malik could not see Tyler.

"So much pain and blood" whispered Malik holding onto Bonnie's hand and leaning onto her embrace, his eyes still emitting a golden light.

Klaus breathed heavily and had blood splashed across his face. Malik watched the hybrid and while his face reflected anger and rage, his eyes... all that hurt and pain made him feel even worse. Malik knew how betrayal was Klaus' weak point, but to see his reaction to it was both horrifying and heart-breaking.

Klaus did react in an extreme way, yet the warlock could sense that his emotions about it were just as heightened, if not more. All that pain and sadness he felt was too much, so he reacted the only way he knew how. Murdering those who hurt him.

Suddenly Klaus heard Kim crying and hiding down in the Lockwood Cellar. The warlock wanted to stop him but it was to no avail, he proceeded to follow her.

Kim tripped down the remaining stairs and looked up from the floor as Klaus walked down towards her. She attempted to back away from him, getting up grabbed the bars of the Cellar, trying to find a way out as she continued to sob. But soon realising that there was no way out, she turned around and looked at Klaus.

"Where is Tyler Lockwood?" questioned Klaus getting closer, Kim continued to cry, but didn't answer, this only made Klaus angrier, he pointed the sword at her throat and moved closer. "You'd do well to answer me, love. Where is he?!"

"I don't know."

"Wrong answer" responded Klaus and he pushed the blade into her throat.

Kim gasped for air, but Klaus successfully pressed the blade through her neck and chopped her head off.

He turned around and started to walk off. His face was not full of rage anymore but full of sadness and loneliness. And Malik felt it all. All that pain, all that suffering, all that death, all that loneliness.

Ripping away from all of that he finally returned to the Lake House, breathing heavily he looked around and seeing his sister Malik jumped on her and hugging her tightly tried to get his beating heart under control. Bonnie immediately began to rub his back and spoke to him in an attempt to sooth him.

"It's okay Mal... It's okay. Everything is alright now."

"No, it's not" spoke Malik gently and wiping away his tears shook himself before getting up looked at everyone. "Sorry everyone, everything is fine now. It's just been a while..."

They all nodded, and Malik managed to keep a happy face up, but refused to answer any questions regarding his vision.

It has been so long since he had them and to have this again filled him with both happiness and worry. He was seeing things again... but he didn't practice magic controlled by the spirits. Did that mean his mental powers were his to begin with? Did the spirits intervene to make him think it was their gift?

Or the spirits were trying to lure him back by giving him visions...

He wasn't sure what was the answer and in that moment he didn't want to figure it all out.

There was only one thing in his mind: to talk to Eric.

Malik knew Eric wasn't sired to Klaus, which made him believe that Klaus wouldn't go out of his way to kill him. But it has been a while and he wanted to let him know... and also to hear his voice. With everything that happened he just needed to hear his soothing voice to calm down.

Luckily to him Bonnie, Shane and Elena all decided to go back to Mystic Falls, Malik got into the driver's seat and Jeremy also sat at the front excitedly, soon enough Shane and Elena got in too and Malik drove everyone back, while Shane was happy to get back from Mystic Falls.

Bonnie was arguing at first but Malik was happy with that.

After everything that happened, Malik began to be suspicious. He wasn't sure if Shane was malicious or innocent. He was grateful for the professor to teach him magic.... But at what cost?

Once everyone was left off and they managed to get back into their room, Malik got comfortable, ready to get into his bed but looking at his phone he contemplated for a moment. Looking at his name and picture he wasn't sure what to do.

But in a brief moment, he threw all of it out the window and pressed "Call".

The phone rang and he just held it, looking at the name, stressing out worrying, until he heard the soothing voice.

"Hey, is everything okay?"

Letting out a long and deep sigh the warlock relaxed and dropping onto the bed pulled it closer and spoke gently.

"It is now..."

"What happened? Are you alright?"

"So much has happened... let's see... none of it is actually good."

"Let's go one by one."

"I got my ability back to see" spoke Malik gently. "But that allowed me to see what was happening..."

"Is it bad?"

"You probably won't be happy... Tyler helped the hybrids break the sire bond, but Klaus found out about it and slaughtered them..."

"I see" came the quiet answer. "Is Tyler alive?"

"I believe so"

"I'd be surprised if Klaus let him walk away after what he did... how are you feeling? You had to witness it all"

"Bit shaken but... have to move on. This whole campaign to find the cure is making me feel bad. Like we are about to unleash something dark and dangerous... I don't know what to do Eric..."

"Just listen to your gut."

Hearing that Malik just smiled and snuggling closer to the phone responded.

"How are you doing? I know I dropped a lot on you without even asking if you're okay..."

"I'm alright, just doing some field work for my dad. Don't you worry. I'm glad you called... don't want you to feel alone ever again."

"When can I see you?"

"Soon, once this whole ordeal of pesky hunters have been solved we can meet in peace... I might even introduce you to my dad."

"You sure that's a good idea?"

"You're a powerful warlock, he wouldn't dare to say a word. Plus, as a hybrid I am capable of things they aren't so... who cares what he thinks."

"That sound really good. We need to arrange it."

"Soon my love. We will see each other again."

"I love you Eric."

"I love you too Malik."