Chapter 16: Sins of the Father
POV: Sam Barton
Mystic Falls High buzzes with the kind of energy that follows a successful Halloween party—students comparing hangover stories, social dynamics shifted by weekend revelations, and the comfortable exhaustion that comes from staying up too late in costume.
Sam slides into AP History ten minutes early, reviewing his strategy for the day's most important objective. Today, Alaric Saltzman begins his tenure as the new history teacher, replacing the substitute who's been barely managing classes since Mr. Tanner's near-death experience.
"Alaric Saltzman. Vampire hunter with the Gilbert ring. Married to Isobel Flemming, who's really Elena's biological mother and currently a vampire working for Katherine. He's here to research vampires while pretending to teach history."
Sam knows Alaric's story will end in heartbreak, possession, and eventual resurrection-induced madness. But right now, the man walking through the classroom door just looks like a tired teacher trying to make a good first impression.
Alaric settles behind the desk, arranging papers with the careful precision of someone who's used to deadly accuracy in all things. He's younger than Mr. Tanner, maybe mid-thirties, with the kind of lean build that suggests regular physical training. His eyes scan the classroom with more awareness than most teachers possess—someone who's used to evaluating threats and escape routes.
"Good morning," Alaric says, his voice carrying a slight rasp that speaks of too many late nights and too much bourbon. "I'm Mr. Saltzman. I'll be taking over your AP History curriculum, and I have a feeling we're going to cover some very interesting material."
"More than you know."
After class, Sam approaches the desk while other students file out, chattering about weekend plans.
"Mr. Saltzman?" Sam keeps his voice respectful but interested. "I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Sam Barton."
Alaric looks up from his papers, blue eyes sharp with intelligence.
"Barton... you're the archaeology orphan, right? I heard about your parents from the principal. My condolences."
"Thank you. Actually, that's why I wanted to talk to you." Sam settles into the careful persona he's constructed—earnest student with genuine scholarly interest. "My parents were archaeologists who researched occult history extensively. Your teaching style—the focus on primary sources and hidden histories—reminds me of their approach."
Alaric's attention sharpens immediately.
"Occult history? That's... unusual for archaeologists."
"Hook, line, and sinker. He's here to research vampires, and I just offered him a research partner."
"They believed that official histories often omit the most important details. Folklore, superstitions, local legends—they thought those sources sometimes contained more truth than academic texts."
"Interesting perspective." Alaric leans back in his chair, studying Sam's face. "What kind of legends were they researching?"
Sam chooses his words carefully, walking the line between truth and believability.
"Vampire mythology, mostly. Not the Hollywood version—historical accounts from places like Bulgaria, Romania, early American settlements. They found surprising consistency in stories separated by centuries and continents."
Alaric's expression doesn't change, but something in his posture suggests Sam has his complete attention.
"And what did they conclude from this research?"
"That dismissing something as impossible doesn't make it untrue. They taught me to ask 'what if' instead of 'that's ridiculous.'"
"Perfect. Plant the seed that I'm already open to supernatural possibilities."
"Your parents sound like they were thoughtful researchers." Alaric gathers his papers, decision made. "Sam, would you be interested in discussing their work over coffee sometime? I'd like to hear more about their methodologies."
"I'd like that. Maybe this afternoon? I could bring some of their journals."
"The Mystic Grill at four?"
"I'll be there."
[QUEST INITIATED: BUILD ALARIC ALLIANCE]
[STAGE 1: ESTABLISH TRUST THROUGH SHARED INTERESTS]
That afternoon, Sam settles into a corner booth at the Mystic Grill with a carefully selected collection of his parents' research. The journals contain genuine supernatural information—vervain properties, protective ward symbols, historical vampire accounts—but nothing that directly exposes current Mystic Falls vampires.
Alaric arrives precisely on time, sliding into the opposite seat with the alertness of someone who's never entirely off duty.
"So," Alaric says after ordering coffee, "tell me about your parents' research."
For the next hour, they discuss "theoretical" vampire lore with the intensity of two scholars debating ancient history. Sam shares carefully edited excerpts from his parents' journals while Alaric contributes surprisingly detailed knowledge about historical vampire accounts.
"You know a lot about this subject for a history teacher," Sam observes during a lull in conversation.
Alaric's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes.
"I've always been interested in folklore and mythology. You'd be surprised how much historical documentation exists for supernatural events—it's just usually dismissed as superstition."
"He's not ready to admit he's a vampire hunter, but he's testing my knowledge level."
"My parents used to say that if supernatural threats were real, someone should be prepared to deal with them. They researched protection methods—vervain for vampires, salt circles for spirits, that kind of thing."
"Practical applications." Alaric nods approvingly. "Your parents were wise to think defensively."
"They taught me to survive."
The conversation shifts to more personal territory—Sam's adjustment to orphaned life, Alaric's transition from previous teaching positions, the challenges of fitting into small-town communities. Sam finds himself genuinely liking the older man's dry humor and protective instincts toward students.
"In another timeline, Alaric becomes a father figure. He deserves better than the pain that's coming."
Their academic discussion is interrupted when Damon Salvatore enters the Grill, moving with liquid predatory grace toward the bar. Sam's enhanced perception immediately recognizes the tension in Alaric's posture—like a hunting dog catching a dangerous scent.
"They know each other. Or Alaric suspects what Damon is."
Damon's pale eyes scan the restaurant and lock onto their table. His smile is sharp enough to cut glass as he approaches with bourbon in hand.
"Well, well. The new teacher and our local psychic prodigy. How cozy."
Alaric's hand drops casually toward his jacket pocket—where Sam's enhanced senses detect the outline of a wooden stake.
"Mr. Salvatore," Alaric says evenly. "I don't believe we've been formally introduced."
"Damon Salvatore. And you're the replacement for poor Mr. Tanner. Tragic what happened to him." Damon's eyes dilate slightly. "Tell me, do you have any theories about his attacker?"
Sam watches Alaric's face remain perfectly neutral as compulsion washes over him harmlessly—the Gilbert ring's protection holding strong.
"Just that Mystic Falls seems to attract unusual violence," Alaric replies without missing a beat.
Damon's charming facade flickers with surprise. In 145 years of vampirism, compulsion failure is rare enough to be noteworthy.
"Interesting. Well, enjoy your... scholarly discussion."
Damon stalks away with the frustrated energy of a predator denied easy prey.
Sam intervenes with careful social manipulation.
"Mr. Saltzman, I think you dropped this," he says loudly enough for Damon to hear, handing Alaric a pen from the table.
"Thank you, Sam. I think Stefan was looking for you, Damon."
The deflection gives Damon an excuse to leave without escalating the confrontation. As the vampire exits with supernatural speed, Alaric turns back to Sam with new respect.
"You have good instincts about dangerous situations."
"I've had to develop them." Sam meets his gaze steadily. "Dangerous people usually reveal themselves if you know what to look for."
"And what did you see in Mr. Salvatore?"
"A vampire who could kill us both without breaking a sweat. But I can't say that directly."
"Someone who enjoys having power over others. Someone who doesn't like being told 'no.'"
Alaric nods slowly, filing that assessment away.
"Your parents taught you well, Sam. Situational awareness is a valuable survival skill."
[QUEST PROGRESS: ALARIC TRUST BUILDING - STAGE 1 COMPLETE]
[ALARIC SALTZMAN: CAUTIOUS ALLY STATUS DEVELOPING]
Two days later, Sam encounters Jenna Sommers in the school parking lot, her auburn hair catching afternoon sunlight as she waits for Elena. She spots him approaching and offers the warm smile of someone who's heard good things.
"You must be Sam," she says, extending her hand. "Elena's friend Caroline talks about you constantly. I'm Jenna, Elena and Jeremy's guardian."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Sommers." Sam shakes her hand, noting the tired lines around her eyes that come from suddenly inheriting two traumatized teenagers. "Elena and Jeremy are lucky to have you."
"Some days I'm not sure about that. I'm basically figuring out parenting as I go." Jenna's laugh carries genuine affection mixed with uncertainty. "But Elena says you've been helpful with Jeremy's adjustment. Thank you for that."
"Perfect opening to plant seeds about Alaric."
"Jeremy's a good kid dealing with impossible circumstances. He just needs people who believe in him." Sam pauses, as if struck by sudden thought. "Actually, if you ever need help with the kids, or just want to discuss local history, Mr. Saltzman seems like a great resource. He and my late parents had similar research interests."
Jenna's expression brightens with interest.
"Mr. Saltzman? Jeremy mentioned liking his teaching style. And Elena says he's much more engaging than their last history teacher."
"He's really passionate about his subject matter. And from what I can tell, he's genuinely interested in helping students succeed."
"Subtle matchmaking. Jenna and Alaric deserve some happiness before the supernatural chaos destroys everything."
"That's wonderful to hear. It's nice knowing there are teachers who actually care."
Elena emerges from the school building with Caroline in tow, both girls chatting animatedly about weekend plans. Jenna gathers her purse and keys.
"I should get Elena home. But Sam, thank you for looking out for Jeremy. It means more than you know."
As Jenna drives away with Elena, Sam feels the familiar weight of manipulating good people toward better outcomes. Every strategic conversation, every careful suggestion, every planted seed—they all serve the greater goal of minimizing casualties when the supernatural storm arrives.
But the emotional cost accumulates like interest on a debt he's not sure he can repay.
[QUEST COMPLETE: BEFRIEND ALARIC SALTZMAN]
[REWARD: +300 EXP]
[FUTURE ALLY SECURED: ALARIC WILL TRUST SAM'S SUPERNATURAL ADVICE]
[SIDE QUEST COMPLETE: JENNA PROTECTION INITIATED]
[REWARD: +150 EXP]
[JENNA-ALARIC ROMANCE: ACCELERATED TIMELINE]
That evening, Sam reviews his growing network of alliances from the sanctuary of his basement training room. Stefan remains a cautious ally, willing to share limited information and defend Sam against Damon's worst impulses. Anna represents a pragmatic partnership built on mutual need. And now Alaric offers the possibility of a genuine mentor relationship—if Sam can help the man survive the revelations coming his way.
[CURRENT EXP: 2,400/4,000 TO LEVEL 7]
[CLONE MASTERY UPDATE: ENHANCED SPEED 47% (ADEPT LEVEL ACHIEVED)]
[DEFENSIVE SHIELD 25% (APPRENTICE ADVANCING)]
Through his mental link, Clone One reports from its patrol route around Caroline's house: "All quiet on the Forbes front. Sheriff's working late again—third night this week."
"The Council's probably meeting more frequently. Supernatural incidents are increasing."
"Speaking of which, Damon was hunting again last night. Found another drained tourist behind the movie theater."
Sam clenches his fists, frustration building like pressure behind a dam.
"How many more people have to die before the tomb opens?"
"Nine days until Anna's timeline. But Sam, there's something else. I've been watching the old church ruins, and there's definitely magical activity building there. The air smells like ozone before a thunderstorm."
"Emily Bennett's spell is weakening. The tomb wants to open."
Sam opens the System interface and studies his progress toward the critical Level 10 milestone—his third clone, additional tactical options, more protection for the people he loves.
"1,600 EXP to Level 7. Then three more levels until the third clone. And somewhere in those three levels, I need to get strong enough to survive Katherine Pierce's attention."
His phone buzzes with a text from Caroline: "Study date tomorrow? I'm bringing terrible coffee and advanced calculus. Prepare to suffer academically."
Sam smiles despite the supernatural weight pressing on his shoulders. "Wouldn't miss it. Fair warning: I'm bringing snacks and historical trivia. Counter-suffering."
"Perfect. It's a date. ❤️"
As Sam settles into bed, his Enhanced Speed clone maintains vigilant patrol while his Defensive Shield clone stands guard at the house perimeter. Three days ago, he was just a transmigrated medical student pretending to be a psychic teenager. Now he's building a coalition of supernatural and human allies, training for battles against creatures that could kill him without effort, and falling deeper in love with a girl whose safety depends on his ability to change fate itself.
"No pressure at all."
But for tonight, Caroline is safe in her house, Alaric is forming positive connections with the Gilbert family, and Anna's timeline holds steady toward a tomb opening that might—just might—happen without massive bloodshed.
Small victories. But in Mystic Falls, small victories are the foundation upon which larger miracles are built.
Tomorrow brings new challenges, fresh complications, and the ever-present question of whether Sam can save everyone without losing himself in the process.
[PROGRESS TOWARD LEVEL 7: 2,400/4,000 EXP]
[ALARIC SALTZMAN: FUTURE ALLY SECURED]
[TOMB OPENING: T-MINUS 9 DAYS]
But tonight, at least, hope feels stronger than fear.
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