G a m e O f C a t A n d M o u s e

A candle was lit.

Bonnie and Malik looked rather stressed as they were sitting at Shane's desk.

"You know, just because your eyes are closed doesn't mean you're meditating. Come on, use your breath. Use your breath to calm your nerves."

"Great. So now we can't even meditate right?"

"What else can we fail?" snapped Malik as well and both of them got up from the chairs and paced around the office.

"Guys, you didn't fail."

"We did an expression spell that almost killed April" countered Bonnie immediately.

"Just as you said it: almost. Failing would have been actually killing her. You got like a... D Minus."

"It's not funny" responded the siblings simultaneously and suddenly the candles lit up in the room and Bonnie sat back down as she continued. "We have all this power now, and I'm worried we won't be able to control it."

" Bonnie? Look at me" he grabbed her hand and began to hypnotize her. "I'm here with you. You don't have anything to worry about. You are strong; you are focused. You are in complete control."

"You're here with me. I'm in complete control."

The candle's flame lowered so Shane turned to Malik who was looking at him intently, his breathing fast and his face worried, but before Shane could have said anything the door opened.

 The sudden movement made Malik snap back to reality and the candle lights went out, turning to the newcomers Liz and one of her deputies barged in.

"Sheriff?" asked Malik surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Malik, Bonnie, I'm gonna need you two to go."

"What the hell are you doing?" questioned Shane.

"We need to ask you a few questions" answered Liz easily while her deputy walked to Shane and pulling him from the chair put the handcuffs on him.

"Are you serious? I'm sure I can answer without the handcuffs. Come on, this isn't even your jurisdiction."

"Then, I guess we better get you to Mystic Falls."

The deputy took Shane out of his office, Liz was about to leave too but Bonnie became angry and turned to the woman.

"Why are you doing this?"

"That's something you should ask your dad."

The sheriff left and Malik's attention turned to Bonnie who was fuming and began pacing around. In her anger she reached for her bag and began looking for her phone when suddenly Malik placed his hand on hers, stopping the girl.

"I'm here."

Bonnie looked up and looking at the boy saw his gentle eyes, she began to slowly calm down, by the time her phone was out she was a lot calmer and instead of making the call herself Malik took the device. Ringing their father Mal waited and once he picked up the boy spoke quickly.

"Dad, we're coming to the station to be present at Shane's interrogation. Please don't argue, we need this. We need to know the truth."

Bonnie waited intently but the moments she saw her brother nod reassuringly with a smile she relaxed even more.

Driving back to Mystic Falls Malik was the one driving given Bonnie's state, it was safer that way. Not to mention he was less affected by Shane being taken. It wasn't surprising. He wasn't as close to Shane as Bonnie was. 

She kept asking questions about what it could all be about, Malik tried to provide open ended answers in an attempt to calm her down but he knew Bonnie was like a dog with a bone. She needed answers. 

Once they finally got back to town they aimed for the police station, not even stopping for anything else.

Once they finally got there their father greeted them at the entrance and walked them to the sheriff's office where a TV was set up and he asked the kids to watch and listen to the live interrogation.

"You're accusing me of orchestrating a mass murder? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" asked Shane but Liz wasn't fazed in the slightest.

"It's Mystic Falls. It's actually one of the least ridiculous things I've heard."

"He already explained this. Pastor Young came to him for help. He was crazy" spoke up Bonnie leaning back in the chair.

"No, he was grief-stricken and Shane took advantage of it."

"And somehow talked him into killing a house full of people? It doesn't make any sense" argued Bonnie while Malik just kept looking at the man on the screen, watching his face intently.

"I've met people like this Bonnie. They're charismatic, they're manipulators. They prey on the weak-minded."

"And you're worried that's what he's doing to me and Malik. That's why you brought him in, isn't it?"

"No. We brought him in because April Young told us what he did. Rebekah Mikaelson confirmed it. He confessed to her."

That was the moment Malik averted his eyes and looked at Rudy with a surprised face, and turning to him addressed his father.

"Tell me dad... how did they found out?"

"Why does it matter?"

"It matters to me. The why is not important right now."

"Rebekah made sure to get answers out of him. The how was irrelevant to me."

The missing pieces. That was the part he forgot about and now it made sense. Unfortunately Bonnie did not feel the same, she needed to hear it herself. She got up from her seat and turned to their father with a determined look on her face.

"I'm going in there."

"No, you're not."

"If he's gonna tell anyone what he did, it's me. Unless of course you think I'm too weak-minded."

"Dad" spoke up Malik gently earning both of their attention. "Let her go... Bonnie's right, she might be the only person who can make him admit it... and we need to know the details."

Rudy stood there for a moment but then went after Bonnie, while Malik remained on his seat and waited, looking at the screen watched Shane answering some more questions, until the door opened and Bonnie walked.

"Bonnie, now is not the time" started Liz but Rudy appeared behind Bonnie.

"Let her talk."

Liz simply nodded and left the interrogation room, Rudy closed the door but Malik kept his eyes on the duo on the screen.

"I think your Dad's confused about the format of the parent-teacher conference."

"I'm sorry. Rebekah told them you confessed. I know she's lying."

Whatever Shane said after Mal did not hear it, Shane turned his face to the other direction, but Malik noticed it quickly when Bonnie's jaw dropped, her eyes widened and the look on her face...

Shane admitted orchestrating the murders.

He was interrupted in that moment when his phone went off, looking at the screen it was Elena calling. He was somewhat dreading it, having a feeling it will be another favour.

"Hello?"

"Mal... I need your help."

"What's going on?"

"I need to convince Klaus to call back Kol, but I don't know how to approach it."

"Elena slow down... tell me what happened."

"Kol found the vampires Klaus turned for Jeremy to kill, then tried to kill them... now he has Damon and I have no idea what he's going to do."

"Go in person. I know it's not ideal but Klaus enjoys feeling superior, make him feel that way and he will act. Maybe a little begging."

"Thank you Mal... are you and Bonnie okay?"

"That remains to be seen" sighed Mal. "Shane was brought to the police station for questioning. I'll tell you more later, now just try to get Klaus to stop Kol."

"Okay, thanks"

Malik hung up the phone and putting it away his father entered with Liz and they turned off the camera in the room which surprised the boy.

"What's happening?"

"Bonnie asked for the camera's to be turned off so that Shane can tell her a whole truth."

"And you agreed?" questioned the boy and it seemed Liz shared his sentiment but Rudy was the mayor...

"Trust your sister."

"I trust Bonnie alright" responded Malik and snapping his finger the door closed. "It's Shane that I'm having issues with."

Closing his eyes sat on the floor and began breathing in and out, the two adults were confused and Liz took a step forward while asking.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going to make a connection, allowing me to see everything that happens it that room. If you're curious just put your hands on my shoulder..."

Opening his eyes they turned golden and Malik stood in the room next to the table, watching Shane and Bonnie talk.

"Look. I was going to tell you the truth. I just kept putting it off because I was worried how you'd react" spoke Shane looking at Bonnie.

"Bad. That's how I react to murder" snapped back Bonnie.

"I'm not a killer, Bonnie. Pastor Young was depressed- "

"I've heard this. Skip to the part where you convince him to massacre 11 people" interrupted Bonnie, her voice cold and stern.

Seeing Bonnie's eyes Malik knew she was pissed. And Shane was never going to be to them what he used to be.

"It wasn't a massacre. It was a ritual. It was something necessary to raise Silas and get the cure that your friends so desperately want."

"If they knew people had to die- "

"It doesn't matter if they die. Silas will bring them back."

Hearing that Malik's eyes widened in shock, Bonnie was just as taken back and the realisation finally hit.

"You're crazy" blurted out Bonnie.

"I'm not crazy. I'm just passionate."

Bonnie stood up from the table and leaning across it got into Shane's face and responded with venom in her voice.

"You're full-on crazy."

Bonnie was about to leave the room, she even opened the door when Shane suddenly spoke up, but the words that left his mouth shook Malik.

"Do you remember our first session? It was about your grams, right? You two thought every time you did magic you were causing her pain. Aren't you curious what's happening to her now? Wouldn't you like to see her again?"

Malik was looking at Shane but stepped back, saw him speak to Bonnie but somehow, he managed to zone out the voices all the words that left his mouth. He had images of Grams appear in front of him for a moment and he couldn't have that.

He only snapped back into the conversation when Bonnie spoke up finally.

"You're saying if I help you raise Silas you can bring my grams back? Don't play on my guilt, Shane."

"I'm not playing on anything. This is the truth. You told me what happened. Your reckless use of magic is the reason—"

"Don't."

"--is the reason those spirits are torturing her on the Other Side."

"Don't" warned Bonnie angrily and even Malik began to feel the rage bubbling up in him.

" Hurting her again and again and again."

"I said don't!"

"Unh!" exclaimed Shane and raised his hand, seeing his face it was clear he was in pain. "My hand! You can't stop, can you? All this power that you're feeling, you actually like it, don't you?"

Malik snapped back immediately and breaking the connection got up from the floor, the sudden break pushed back Liz and Rudy a little, making them slightly dizzy but the boy didn't stop. He ran towards the interrogation room and using his magic the door opened and entering there he didn't even look at Shane, just spoke to Bonnie.

"Bonnie, please... you need to stop this."

"You need to get out" warned Bonnie looking at Malik.

"Do not threaten me..." warned Malik his anger bubbling up seeing Bonnie's face.

"I said, you need to get out!"

Malik immediately responded and their magic clashed, pushing Shane back to the corner, cracking the walls around them. For an instance Malik lost control and the pleasure of the magic took over. The whirlwind of power made Shane cower in the corner, but looking at them watched as the table and chairs broke into pieces and the crack in between them began to widen when suddenly the door opened.

"Kids, what are you doing?" came the alarmed voice of Rudy, stopping them two with their magic.

"Get out of here" spoke Bonnie and Malik snapped his finger making the spilled water on the ground set alight and the fire forced Rudy back.

"Bonnie, Malik... stop!"

"You can't reason with them, Mayor. They've lost control" spoke Shane and getting up walked closer.

"Bonnie, baby. Please. Malik, son... please... Do something!" shouted Rudy the last one towards the professor who turned to the siblings with a smug look and began talking.

"Bonnie... Malik, look at me! Now take a deep breath. I'm right here with you. You are in complete control. That's it." Bonnie's face began to return to normal and the fire died down and everything stopped, but Malik continued to look at Bonnie, refusing to gaze upon the professor.

Shane looked at his hand in wonder, a single tear slid down Bonnie's cheek and she left the room, hurrying past her father and brother.

"Your daughter and son... are prodigies. With my guidance... they could be the most powerful witches in the world...But without it they're time bombs.

"She will not die" warned Malik looking at Shane. "I'll make sure of it."

Shane was surprised seeing Malik's face.

It seemed calm and collected but his eyes... those eyes were murderous, full of hatred and before Shane could have said anything he was pushed against the wall and the boy walked out of there.

Malik knew full well how Bonie felt, and that she needed to be alone right now. Instead he decided to get his phone out and typed in a short message:

"I love you Bon, always."

Walking away from the police station Malik aimed to go home, but as he was going through the town he stopped at the Mystic Grill and taking a table in the back he leaned back and looking up tried to comprehend everything that happened.

It seemed Shane's hypnosis did not work on him anymore, not since his mental powers have returned. But Bonnie was affected and the warlock had no idea how to help. He had to deal with immense erratic magic before compared tot hat Expression seemed a lot easier on the daily basis. But Bonnie didn't have experience with it.

"Everything alright Mal?" asked Matt who suddenly appeared in his work uniform.

"Is anything ever?" asked the boy with a sad smile, it seemed Matt felt the same way, after a nod he just looked around and spoke gently.

"I'll get you some fries and a drink, alright?"

"That would be great"

Matt left and Malik leaned back closing his eyes he just wanted to relax when he began to feel an annoying sensation at the back of his head.

"Not this again" mumbled the boy and after looking around quickly he leaned to the side and closing his eyes allowed his mind to be taken away.

"Going somewhere? I would if I were you. If Damon kills the hunter, Nik will not be pleased" came the voice of Rebekah and in a moment the view cleared for Mal.

He stood in Klaus' mansion, Rebekah stood in front of Kol who had an innocent smile on his face.

"I told Nik I wouldn't touch the kid. I didn't."

"Oh. Well, that was clever. I'm sure he'll really appreciate it" came the sarcastic tone of Rebekah, Kol pushed past his sister to leave but Rebekah pulled out the white oak ash dagger and pointed it at his back.

Kol stopped and finally looked afraid instead of smug. Malik was taken back seeing the spectacle in front of him, conflicted as to what to do or what to think. He agreed with Kol in trying to stop everyone from finding the cure but him going after Jeremy was a no for him...

"You'd really dagger me?"

"If I do, Damon's compulsion ends and this is all over."

"And then you're no better than Niklaus. Daggering siblings when you disagree with them-- Look at what this family has become. I mean, Elijah won't even show his face, he's so disgusted by our bickering. This cure has ruined us, and it hasn't even been found yet. Just imagine what would happen if it is."

"This family was ruined long before we knew about the cure."

Kol vamp-sped around to face Rebekah and pointed the white oak stake at her heart, that was the moment when Malik gasped and raised his hands, pushing away the siblings, surprising the both of them, Rebekah looked at her brother and exclaimed painfully.

"Kol!"

"I won't let you raise Silas."

"Enough of this foolishness. Put it down, Kol" came the voice of Klaus from behind them, Kol vamp-ran out of the house without any other word.

"He was going to kill me!"

"Well, then, I think you need a lesson in how to properly dagger a sibling."

"Burn in hell" spat Rebekah and left the house as well.

Malik was about to pull back when he heard Klaus speak up once more.

"It seems your magic is really coming back... my siblings are a rowdy crowd but thank you for separating them. I'll get you a drink next time, Malik."

The boy just turned to the hybrid, it was clear he couldn't see him, but Klaus was fully aware of Malik being present.

The boy just smiled and finally managed to return to his own reality. Opening his eyes he blinked a few times and seeing the fries and the glass of coke in front of him, he smiled and waved to Matt then returned to his thoughts.

He stayed there mostly just zoning out, enjoying his peace and quiet, that was till he got a message from his dad that he wanted to meet him and Bonnie there.

Malik just groaned and banging his head on the table remained like that for a bit. He was just hoping things were going to settle down somewhat.

Soon enough Bonnie arrived to the Grill and she was looking around frantically until she saw malik sitting there by himself. Bonnie ran to him, Malik noticing this got up from the table and caught her the moment she jumped on him. They hugged tightly, Bonnie began crying quietly.

Malik smiled and rubbing her back spoke gently.

"Everything is fine Bonnie... I promise."

"I almost hurt you..."

"It was the same for me. This is weird magic Bonnie, I know you didn't want to hurt me."

As they let go of each other Bonnie looked up at Malik, the boy just smiled and wiping off her tears planted a kiss on her forehead.

"I would never hurt you..."

"I know" responded Malik with a toothy grin. "Now prepare yourself, dad is coming."

They sat down at the table and on cue Rudy joined them, ordered a coffee for himself and a drink for Bonnie, seeing hat Malik had his refill going. They waited for a bit before bonnie spoke up, looking at their dad with an apologetic look.

"I owe you an apology."

"You don't owe me anything. I'm not happy to be right. I'm gonna get you some help."

"Help? Dad, I'm okay. We got angry, I admit, but we knew what we were doing."

"You lost control, and Shane said- "

"Didn't we just establish that we couldn't trust him? He trying to get under your skin."

"The only thing that got under my skin is what I saw, which is my daughter and my son using dangerous magic! And the fact that you don't think you need help means you need it even more."

Bonnie looked slightly abashed, didn't respond but Malik was shocked and turning to his dad spoke up.

"I'm not sure why you got me involved..."

"You were just as out of control... I will get help for both of you. No arguments on that."

Bonnie and Malik exchanged a look but decided not to argue with him. That was one way to end this tedious conversation, just stay quiet.

Once it was done Rudy decided to go back to the station to talk to Liz while Bonnie went home. Malik on the other hand stayed around bit longer, walking to the park sat down at a playground and swinging gently watched the people of Mystic Falls walking home and get on with their business.

He was somewhat jealous.

"I see your powers are returning just fine. Should I be worried?"

Malik turned his head and seeing Kol sit on the other swing he just shook his head and turning away from the original returned to watch the others walk around.

"No... however you running amok does not help. You've lost your reasoning Kol. Attacking Jeremy? Trying to kill everyone? What is wrong with you?"

Kol was about to get to him when suddenly he stopped mid-air and his hands got held behind his back, Malik got up and looking at Kol spoke quietly.

"I promised we would make sure Silas isn't unleashed to the world. Look at what you've done! Everyone is aiming at you now..."

"Isn't that what makes it fun darling?" asked Kol with a teasing smile on his face which made Malik walk to him and moving his hand got Kol closer to himself.

"Your flirting isn't helping... Kol you tried to have my best friend killed. Now they are all going to try and dagger you."

"They can try..."

"Kol" spoke Malik and releasing his magic Kol landed on his feet, barely any space between the two of them.

They were looking at each other and Kol leaned closer, their noses and foreheads touched, Kol spoke gently seeing his worried face.

"I'm sorry darling... but Silas has me going crazy. Why can't they understand like you do?"

"Because their priorities are elsewhere. They believe him to be a fairy tale- "

"But not you"

"I believe you... and it seems Shane is convinced he is real. That is enough for me to be worried. I had enough dealings with original vampires the last thing I need is a 2000 year old immortal running around raising the dead."

Kol slowly lifted his hand and with his fingers caressed the warlocks cheek not breaking eye contact with him.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"Just try to lay low for a bit, they cannot know about us working together to stop them all. Okay?"

"I'll see what I can do darling."

"Where are you?"

"We told Caroline that we'd take her place at decade dance prep, but none of the rest of you showed" responded Bonnie while blowing up the balloons in the gym.

"I know, I'm sorry. I have Jeremy under house arrest because Kol wants to kill him, and Klaus wants to take him on some vampire-slaying road trip. And since neither of them are invited in, it's the only place I can keep them safe."

"Why does it sound like you're under fire?"

"Apparently I'm living in a fraternity house now" hearing that Bonnie just smiled looked towards Malik who was organising other students. "Train yourself to do some dishes, and put these weapons away before someone tries to use one on me."

"Well, it's hard for me to look forward to this dance while you're trapped in your house."

"Listen, I have a plan to end all of this. I want Jeremy to kill Kol."

"You want Jeremy to kill an original?" whispered Bonnie, but glanced towards her brother hoping he didn't hear it all.

After everything that happened Bonnie didn't want Malik to be involved in this. And Elena's plan was going to put Jeremy in danger which would not be tolerated by Mal...

"Think about it. Kol's sire line must stretch to the moon by now. If Jeremy kills Kol, every vampire that he's ever turned, not to mention everyone that they've turned, will die, which means the hunter's mark will be complete and we'll have our key to finding the cure."

"I'm on my way, we'll figure it out. Do you think Caroline will notice if there's only 89 red balloons?"

"Actually, probably yes..." suddenly Bonnie heard a gasp and a thud which alarmed the witch.

"Elena!"

"Sorry" came the voice of Elena calming Bonnie somewhat, but she didn't realise Malik noticed the commotion.

"What happened?" asked Malik surprising his sister.

"I don't know. There's something in the water..." explained Elena. "I think it's vervain."

"Dad" exclaimed the siblings at the same time.

"Let us handle it, you just be careful Elena" spoke Malik and Bonnie hung up the phone.

Leaving the gym Bonnie called their dad and while having him on speaker they walked in the empty corridors.

"Hello?"

"Dad, we have a question for you..." started Malik but Bonnie was quick to get to the point.

"Did you lace the water with vervain?"

"Of course I did."

"Are you serious? You dumped vervain into the water supply? Where did you even get it?"

"I have my sources. I'm also reinstating the curfew and cancelling all town events."

"Dad, there's a dance tonight" informed him Bonnie and looked at Malik who still had the board in his hands.

"Not anymore."

"Are you serious?" snapped Malik and he was ready to throw the clipboard away in anger.

"Son, I'm trying to protect you, not punish you. The well-being of this town is my job now."

"No! Dad, it's ours and we've been doing fine without you getting involved!" argued Bonnie with a pout on her face.

"You've been doing fine? Would you like me to read you all the names of the people who have gone missing or died in tragic accidents, in your senior year alone? Head straight home please, we're having a family meeting."

Bonnie hung up the phone and turning to Malik the boy contained the scream he wanted to let out, instead he spoke quietly.

"I'll let everyone know to go home... How fantastic."

Bonnie nodded and Malik began walking back to the gym, Bonnie was about to continue walking, when Kol arrived suddenly and pushing her against the wall, restrained her with a hand over her neck.

"No one can find the cure if you're too dead to find it."

Kol vamped out and was about to attack Bonnie when she suddenly focused her magic to break the bones in his hand and body. Kol backed away in pain, feeling his brain on fire and his bones breaking at the same time, but it seemed Bonnie was loosing control. Her power caused balloons in the hallway to pop and the lockers to open, papers flying out of them.

Bonnie was alarmed and seeing that Kol was unable to attack her again she ran away, only to run into Malik who seemed worried and looking at her questioned immediately.

"What happened?"

"Kol... he just tried to kill me... we have to go, please let's just go."

Malik nodded but he was furious.

Kol promised him to lay low for a bit, yet it seemed his fear of Silas got the better of him and he was ready to murder anyone.

Malik was conflicted.

How could he trust Kol when he tried to kill his best friend and now his sister. He had to do something. While they were going back home to get away from all of this Malik pulled his phone out and dialled a number.

"Hello love, what a surprise..."

"We need to talk. Your brother just tried to kill my sister."

"How sad... my little brother is becoming more and more of a pain. What to do..."

"You know exactly "what to do" " responded Malik in a mocking tone. "Either you handle him or the next time I see him I will desiccate him myself Klaus. No one hurts my sister. No one."

"Understood. But here is the thing... I wonder why he never tried to attack you... care to explain?"

"Maybe over that drink you promised" responded Mal and hung up without waiting for an answer.

The boy just looked outside but since the silence was laced with a little tension he raised an eyebrow and turned to Bonnie who was looking at him expectantly.

"What?"

"Since when do you have Klaus on your speed dial?"

"Since everyone expects me to distract him when they need it. Don't worry about it."

"I do, I mean... look at everything he has done."

"I get it Bonnie" interrupted Malik and turned away from her. "I get it."

Once they got back it seemed Rudy wasn't around just yet, this allowed Bonnie to collect her things and freshen up after the ordeal with Kol, but Malik felt tired. Laying down on the sofa he covered his eyes with his arm, thoughts began to bombard him about Klaus, Kol, Silas, Bonnie, his friends... until he fell asleep.

"Sorry, I had to dig up the old people alcohol" spoke Elena having a bottle of alcohol in her hand.

Kol turned around and paused the game, looking at the doppelgänger he began to walk over to the kitchen.

"Yeah, that's the problem with people today. They have no drinking imagination. Turn-of-the-century New Orleans – now, they knew how to make a drink."

"You lived in New Orleans?"

"We all did, till Niklaus shoved a dagger in my heart."

"Why? What did you do?" questioned Elena and turning around got glasses out of the cupboard.

"What makes you think I did anything? Has your alliance with my brother softened you to his horrors?"

"I don't have an alliance with Klaus. We had a mutual interest in finding the cure – that's all."

"Had?" asked Kol sceptical, he tried hard to figure out whether the girl was truly honest or was she just playing him.

"Yes. And I'm willing to give up looking for it if you promise to leave my brother alone" Elena looked at Kol, expecting some answer but seeing that he didn't reply she picked up the mixer. "Now, can you teach me how to make this?"

Elena slightly smiled and Kol took the mixer but still refused to answer, so the girl continued her distraction.

"I'll get some ice."

Malik suddenly opened his eyes, he wasn't sure for a moment where he was, sitting up on the sofa he looked around and seeing Bonnie turn everything upside down frantically Malik looked at her confused. Before Bonnie could have said anything to him Rudy walked into the room so she addressed the man instead.

"I have to get to Elena's – have you seen my phone?"

Instead of answering he held up Bonnie's and Malik's phones, alarming both of his kids but decided to ignore that and started talking.

"I've got your phones, and I've got your car keys. And I told you, we are having a family meeting."

"Is that something you read in a book? Because we have never had a family meeting" scoffed Bonnie and even Malik snorted while getting up from the sofa.

"I've let this go on far enough. Shane said you and your magic are like a ticking time bomb. Both of yours."

"And I told you he's crazy" countered Bonnie easily to which Malik nodded and stopping next to Bonnie continued.

"Clearly he is trying to mess things up I mean... why would I be a ticking bomb?"

"I lost your mother to witchcraft. I don't intend to lose you."

"It's not your life, it's ours" declared Malik easily but they were interrupted hearing someone bang on their front door.

They all moved there and while Rudy opened the door they could see Jeremy standing there.

"Yeah?"

"Is Bonnie or Mal here?"

"They're busy" responded Rudy and tried to shut the door but Jeremy stopped him and walked in anyway.

"It's important."

"What's going on?" asked Malik the moment he and Bonnie arrived to the foyer.

"I've called you like a hundred times. Kol is in our house."

In that instance both Malik and Bonnie looked horrified, turning to their dad the siblings spoke simultaneously.

"We have to go."

"I said no."

Bonnie was mad and without hesitation she broke a light with her magic to intimidate their dad, which had it's affect given that the light breaking startled Rudy.

"Stop telling us what to do."

She tried walking out the door, but Abby blocked the way, her eyes vamping out.

"No one's going anywhere."

" Mom?" asked Malik shocked and emotional at the same time, finally seeing her again.

"Abby, please come in."

Abby walked in and the door was closed, Malik stood in between Bonnie and Jeremy, he couldn't get much out as he was so shocked seeing his mother. Instead he gently held onto Jeremy who looked at his best friend and seeing his face he put his hand on Malik's trying to comfort him.

"What are you doing here?" questioned Bonnie without hesitation.

"Your father called. Who's professor Shane? What has he been teaching you?"

"Bonnie, we don't have time for this" exclaimed Jeremy.

"This is a family matter" spoke Rudy but everyone knew it was meant to Jeremy, the hunter turned to Rudy in response, letting go of Malik's hand.

"My sister's in trouble. We need their help."

"My kids are done helping Elena Gilbert. Now, get out!" demanded Abby immediately.

"Mom!" came the disbelieving voice of Malik, but it seemed the woman had an agenda and she wanted to get on with it.

"I'll only ask one more time. What lies has this professor been telling you?"

Jeremy's expression changed, the hunter took over him. It made him pull out a stake and without a moment of hesitation tried attacking Abby, but she managed to catch his arm easily and staring into his eyes the two kept it up, but Bonnie immediately got in between them and tried to calm the boy down.

"Don't! Jeremy! Hey, stop! Stop" Bonnie pulled Jeremy away from their mom and grabbed the back of his neck, trying to force him to make eye contact. "Don't hurt her. She's our mom. All right? Look at me."

Jeremy took a step back, heading for the door, his hunter instincts settling down, Malik watching him and Bonnie, not saying a word just letting Bonnie handle it all.

"Just go, okay? We're right behind you..." Jeremy left and began walking, Bonnie closed the door and turning around looked at everyone and letting out a sigh spoke up expectantly. "You wanna talk? Let's talk."

Malik and Bonnie stood next to each other; their gaze shifted from their father to their mother as they were talking but once Abby finished explaining why she was there Bonnie was quick to snap. It seemed she had enough.

"Dad needs to mind his own business. He had no right to call you here."

"It's not just your father, Bonnie. Witches talk; word gets around."

"We found a new way to practice. It's unconventional, but we can handle ourselves, I promise."

"That's not what Shane said" butted in Rudy which made Malik get involved as well.

"Shane is sitting in a jail cell right now. You're going to take his word over ours?"

"I have warned you about dark magic before."

"It's not dark magic, it's Expression and we need it!" shouted Malik, his breathing quickened, but Bonnie put her hand on his shoulder, calming her brother and took over the conversation.

"We found a cure, Mom. There's a cure for vampirism. And we can do the spell to access it. We can save you, but we have to go – now."

Bonnie grabbed Malik's hand and began to walk away from them when Malik began to feel a tingling sensation in the back of his head, which alarmed him.

"I'm not the one that needs to be saved. You are."

Abby rushes over to them and placed her hand over their mouth, drugging them with an herb. But Malik was ready... his magic managed to keep Abby's hand away from him long enough to push it away in a brief moment, without hesitation he rushed out the door and began running away while putting up a barrier over the door to stop his parents from going after him. 

Malik's mind was on overdrive, he wanted to save Jeremy and Elena, but also wanted to make sure Kol remained alive. His magic, his mind, his whole being shifted and for the first time ever, he was no longer in control.

The moment he arrived to the Gilbert home, he heard Elena shout while she had Kol pinned to the kitchen top.

"Jeremy, now!"

It was like slow motion to him.

Jeremy caught the indestructible white oak stake Elena threw to him and stabbed Kol through the heart with it without a moment of hesitation.

Kol screamed and in a moment he burst into flames, he continued to scream as he staggered through the kitchen and fell to the floor. It weas clear to them all: he was dead.

Malik was horrified and angry, Jeremy turned and saw it: for the first time ever Malik has finally lost control over his magic and himself.

His eyes turned red, but not like it did before, they turned murderous red, his face had an evil smirk on it, when Elena looked she realised it immediately... they were doomed.

Malik walked in and pushing Jeremy aside with his magic he walked to Elena and began talking.

"You made him murder Kol... you murdered thousands of innocents... how about I show you how it feels like?"

Jeremy was about to jump at him when Malik turned at raising his hand the hunter stopped in the air, struggling to get closer but Malik's face did not waver, he simply smiled and after a quick blow Jeremy fell back into the living room. Malik waved his hand and Elena fell into the kitchen furniture with scars over her. Jeremy jumped and without hesitation tackled Malik but almost immediately he got up and grabbing the boy threw him out the back door into the garden.

Jeremy was panting, Elena got out the furniture and her wounds were healing, she let out a sigh and hoped Malik returned to his senses when suddenly she saw that Jeremy was startled by something behind her, making the doppelgänger slowly turn around.

Klaus stood there in the open doorway, looking at his brothers burnt corpse, a tear in his eye.

Noticing that Elena and Jeremy were looking at him and the girl immediately began to explain themselves, or more like trying to cover up their act to ensure Klaus did not try and kill them all.

"We didn't have a choice. He was trying to cut off Jeremy's arm!"

"He never would've gotten inside if you hadn't have set a trap for him."

"You said you were going to put him down too."

Hearing that Klaus became furious, he no longer cared about trying to hide his emotions or to keep his rage at bay.

"I was going to make him suffer on my terms! I'm going to burn this house to the ground. And when you try to flee for your lives, I'll kill you both without blinking."

"You kill us, you'll never get to the cure. You'll never be able to make any more hybrids."

"You really think I care for an instant about my bloody hybrids? I want the cure so I can destroy it. I would've killed you all the second we dug it up, but now I'm just gonna watch you burn instead."

Klaus suddenly fell to the ground, crying out in pain. Elena and Jeremy were confused until Bonnie walked in past the hybrid.

"Invite him in" seeing their confused hesitant face she became stern. "Do it!"

Klaus slowly got up, ready to pounce the moment Jeremy uttered the words, Elena was still worried but Jeremy looked at Bonnie and then to Klaus and spoke quietly.

"Come in."

Before Klaus could have moved Bonnie used her magic to drag him into the house, making Klaus fall forward and instantly he was immobilized.

"Living room. Go!" shouted Bonnie, the two immediately began to run and Klaus' attention turned to them.

Elena and Jeremy ran through the living and into the kitchen. Klaus followed the moment he wasn't bound to the floor anymore, but he couldn't get into the kitchen. An invisible wall held him back, he punched at the air, but the barrier held him back.

Jeremy pulled the white oak stake out of Kol, and he and Elena ran to the door. Klaus followed immediately towards the other way but he was bounced back from an another barrier. Looking at Bonnie he looked her dead in the eye with his face still full of anger.

"Witch, you can't do this to me."

" You have no idea what I can do now."

"Let's test it out" came the malicious voice of Malik which surprised Bonnie and seeing his brother with a few scars on him, his eyes completely red she did not hesitate, immediately weaved her hand, flinging Malik into the barrier with Klaus.

Malik got up quickly and pouncing at the barrier raised his hands and began twisting his wrists, trying to break through when suddenly Bonnie put up her hands and spoke gently.

"Mal... please. I'm here."

Hearing her gentle voice Malik stopped and looked at the witch. Bonnie stepped closer and allowed her magic to gently wrap around Malik.

"I think you should take a little nap, brother. Once you wake up, it will be all better. I promise."

The boy slowly closed his eyes and began to fall back, but Bonnie's magic caught him and lifting his body placed him on the sofa with a barrier around him. The witch smiled but suddenly Klaus appeared at the barrier in front of her again and banging on it shouted.

" I will hunt all of you to your end! Do you hear me?"

They all left the house, Klaus banged on the invisible barrier a bit longer before he began to look around for solutions. Seeing Malik on the sofa strutted towards him but he was pushed back from him by another barrier. He grunted and tried to kick the wall but it seemed Bonnie's spell was set.

"Come on Malik, wake up!" shouted Klaus. "WAKE UP!"

Klaus was pacing up and down for a while, still fuming but his anger managed to get under his control.

The hybrid looked at the boy once again and walking closer raised his hand but this time the barrier did not stop him. Immediately he got closer and sitting on the side of the sofa put a hand on his face and gently caressing it whispered.

"Malik... come back. You are stronger than all of this... come on. Prove it to the world that nothing can control you."

Klaus waited for a little longer and son enough Malik began to stir and his eyes opened. At first they were still dark red and malicious which startled the hybrid but soon enough the red softened and the golden colour took over until they returned to their normal colour.

Sitting up slowly he looked at Klaus, delirious of everything that just occurred until he turned to the side and noticed Kol's burnt body.

His eyes widened and everything became clear.

Memories flooded his mind and tears erupted, looking back up at Klaus his tears wouldn't stop.

"I hurt them..."

"They deserved it" spoke Klaus. "All you did was trying to protect them, but they went behind your back and killed Kol just to get what they want... get us out of here and we can stop them."

Malik couldn't stop his tears, remained silent and slowly getting up approached the barrier but as he was about to place his hand on it he easily slipped through it. Turning back to Klaus the boy was shocked and raising his hand tried to find the barrier but it was completely invisible to him.

"I can't find it... I can't find the barrier... what am I going to?"

"Nothing" spoke Klaus sternly and appeared in front of him but the hybrid was held back by the spell. "Go home and sleep."

"But what about..."

"This spell won't last forever. But you... I need you to rest love. Okay?"

Malik nodded while looking at Klaus before he slowly walked out of the house and began walking home.

He felt lightheaded, completely oblivious of his surroundings, his emotions were going crazy and the only way to ensure his magic did not get out of control was for him to numb himself.

It was like running on autopilot.

Walking into his home he slowly walked upstairs and reaching his room climbed on top of his bed. Looking at the ceiling his emotions began to creep up on him, tears erupted from his eyes once more.

Whispers erupted around him but he did not care to try and make sense of it or push them away. The spirits were there to comfort him, which made him feel safe. Opening his eyes he slowly sat up and leaning into he spirits his eyes turned golden, stronger than ever before.

The next moment he stood in the Salvatore Boarding house and in the parlour he saw Jeremy pacing, staring at his bare arm. Elena and Bonnie were on the sofa quietly, just watching him.

"It didn't work"

"It took time for Finn's line to die off, remember? It'll work" reassured Bonnie gently.

"What if it doesn't?"

"Where's that Gilbert optimism?" commented Damon and walked over to Elena. "Hi. Sorry I missed all the excitement."

" I'm just happy to see you" answered Elena with a smile, hugging him tightly.

The front door opened and Stefan walked in carrying Silas' tombstone. He closed the door and approached the group.

" Looks like I didn't miss much. Got the Silas headstone."

" We're just waiting for Jeremy's mark to grow" informed him Elena, Stefan set the stone down on a table while Damon watched him warily. "Klaus is trapped in our living room... with Malik"

"Temporarily. Malik will be fine once he wakes up."

"Won't Klaus just force him to break the barrier?" questioned Damon immediately.

"Doesn't matter, I made sure he couldn't interact with it. I just hope he will be alright..."

"It's Malik we're talking about" reassured Jeremy looking at Bonnie. "Once he's awake he will be fine and ready for action."

"I'm more worried about Klaus" commented Elena. "How long is he trapped?"

"I drew on the new moon to bind the spell. We've got three days to find that cure – four, max."

"If we don't, we might as well look up Katherine Pierce and see if she wants some company in hiding, 'cause he will come after us" added Jeremy.

"We'll find it. Now that we've got Rebekah taken care of, all we need is professor Shane, and then we'll have everything we need."

" Yeah, I didn't, uh...I didn't dagger her" admitted Stefan which shocked Elena.

"What? Why not?"

"I didn't need to. She's on our side."

"On our side? Did you really just say that?"

"Yeah, she handed over the headstone. I mean, she wants to find this cure more than any of us."

"Why would you possibly think that we could trust her?"

"Let me guess, she pledged her allegiance to you while you were naked in the sack?"

Everyone reacted silently, Elena looked even more shocked.

"I bet you were just dying to get that out, weren't you, Damon?"

"Oh, was that supposed to be a secret? Maybe you should have made that a little clear while you were bleeding me dry in our cellar."

"Yeah, to keep you from killing Jeremy."

"Stop it, both of you" snapped Elena angrily at the boys.

"Now, why don't you tell her to calm down, Damon? You've managed to use that sire bond pretty well so far, haven't you?"

Damon punched Stefan in the face, knocking him down. Stefan got back up and was about to hit Damon back when Jeremy started screaming, earning everyone attention.

Jeremy ripped off his shirt, and the mark began growing.

"It's happening."

Elena was shocked because she could now see the mark. They all could.

" Oh, my god..."

"You can see it?" asked Jeremy surprised to which Elena just nodded and they watched the mark grow up his arm and across his chest.

"Here we go."