Alaric Saltzman

Dr. Alaric J. "Ric" Saltzman is a main character of The Vampire Diaries and Legacies. He is a former recurring character of the first half of Season One, Season Four and Season Five. He was also a recurring character on The Originals, first appearing in the eighth episode of the fourth season. He also served as the main antagonist in Season Three along with the Mikaelson Family. Alaric is a human, vampire hunter, former history teacher at Mystic Falls High School and a former Enhanced Original, not by being one of the first vampires as the Mikaelson Family is, but instead being turned through an altered version of the spell used on the Mikaelson family. He originally came to Mystic Falls to find the vampire who killed his wife, but learned that she voluntarily became a vampire and left him. He also learned that his wife had a child when she was a teenager, a daughter named Elena Gilbert, his student. Alaric began a romantic relationship with her adoptive aunt, Jenna. Following Jenna's tragic death, he seemed to step into his step-father role to Elena and is a father figure to her brother, Jeremy. He is also Damon's best friend alongside Bonnie; Damon even called Alaric "brother" on occasions.
Through overuse of the Gilbert Ring, Esther manipulated his spirit while he was on the Other Side before he would resurrect, and as a result he developed an alter ego, called The Darkness by Bonnie and Dark Alaric or Evil Alaric to others, that hated vampires and vampire sympathizers; as the Darkness, Alaric killed several members of the Town Council. With a goal to create a monster to end all monsters — similar to her husband before him — Esther linked Alaric's life force to Elena's and, in the process, created an Enhanced Original Vampire with one true weapon, the final, indestructible white oak stake. Fearing for her family's life, Rebekah Mikaelson caused Elena's death, thereby killing Alaric in the process. Following this, Alaric was resurrected as his Original vampire self without his alter-ego. While trying to save Damon from Tripp Cooke, Alaric was pulled into the magic purification zone over Mystic Falls. He temporarily died from the stab wound that killed him before his transition, when the magic that made him an Enhanced Original was stripped from his body. Jo Parker revived him with her medical skills, but upon resurrection, Alaric reverted back to his human self.
As a vampire hunter, he designed several different weapons to fight vampires which include vervain tranquilizers and arm vest stakes.
As a Ghost, he watched over Damon, Jeremy, and Elena. In the last two episodes of the fourth Season, his spirit was brought back into the world of the living (albeit confined within the Expression Triangle) where his presence proved crucial at offsetting the threat of the Hunters of the Five in their goal to kill Silas after curing him of his Immortality. His ghost was resurrected in Home, from the Other Side before its destruction, being the last to cross over to the land of the living.
After being resurrected, and though he retained his status as an Enhanced Original Vampire, he became a college professor at Whitmore College, teaching Occult Studies (taking up the same position that was held by both Sheila Bennett and Atticus Shane). He met and fell in love with Josette Parker, who saved his life when he crossed the magical border into Mystic Falls which stripped him of his supernatural powers and made him human again. Eventually, they came to find out that they were expecting twins. However, Josette was brutally murdered by Kai Parker at their wedding, seemingly along with their unborn children. 
Alaric later became a father when his children, Lizzie and Josie, were saved by the Gemini Coven and carried by Caroline Forbes. They would later set up a home together and eventually became engaged. However, Stefan returned and they had to rejoin the supernatural world in Mystic Falls. Caroline broke off their engagement and Alaric helped Peter Maxwell and Dorian Williams at the Armory with the mystery of Sybil and the return of Katherine, who wanted to destroy Mystic Falls. When Mystic Falls was saved, Alaric, along with Caroline, set up the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted. 
Alaric is a member of the Saltzman Family and a non-biological relative to the Petrova Family and the Gilbert Family, due to being Elena's step-father through his marriage to Isobel, and Jeremy's guardian.
==Early History==
The Saltzmans are descendants of German immigrants who arrived in Texas in 1755. He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He mentions to Jenna Sommers that during high school, he wore eyeglasses and had a skin condition. While attending Duke University, he met and then married Isobel Flemming, a parapsychologist (it's revealed by Meredith that Isobel filed a restraining order against him twice) who had an interest in vampires, a topic he would regularly tease her about.
He said that she was "Like Mulder, except hotter, and a girl". At some point, Isobel gave him a ring and told him to always wear it. One night, he returned home late to find a vampire in his bedroom drinking Isobel's blood. Her body was never found and she was presumed dead. Alaric took over her research and found out about Mystic Falls and the rumors about vampires being alive in the town. He went there to find out the truth and discover what had happened to his wife.
He also created a number of anti-vampire weapons, so as to protect himself and others from them.
==Throughout The Vampire Diaries Series==
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In Memorial when Damon talks to Alaric's gravestone and tells him how he misses him, but Damon has little knowledge that Alaric's ghost is sitting beside him. Even though Alaric knows Damon can't see him, he replies "I miss you too buddy." This shows that Alaric will not only be watching over Elena and Jeremy, but Damon as well.
Although not making an appearance, Alaric was mentioned multiple times in We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes. The first is when Matt sits in Alaric's seat and Damon tells him the seat is taken, second when Damon notices Jeremy is still wearing the family ring even after it drove Alaric crazy, and third when Damon sits in Alaric's old classroom and raises a bottle of bourbon in the air before taking a drink, as it is both Alaric and Damon's favorite drink.
In After School Special, after Elena tells Damon that she loves him, Damon looks up at the sky and smiles. At that moment, it seems like Damon is thinking of and thanking Alaric.
In Stand By Me, Alaric was mentioned by Elena. She was talking about how she can no longer live in the Gilbert House because it is filled with memories of the people that she loves who have died and she knows that Damon wants his drinking buddy back.
He was also mentioned by Elena in Bring It On. While Elena is fighting Caroline, Caroline mentions that she's older and more powerful than Elena, but Elena says that Caroline has no fighting experience, and Elena was trained by Alaric. She then demonstrates her strength and almost kills Caroline easily until their fight is broken up by Stefan and Damon.
Elena mentioned Alaric again in Pictures of You. She didn't want Alaric and Jeremy coming back to life so she wouldn't have to turn her humanity back on.
Alaric returned as a Ghost in The Walking Dead, when the veil to The Other Side was dropped. When Damon is injured by Elena, Alaric shows up and helps him. After proving he is not Silas, Damon and he head into the basement. Silas later uses his form in an attempt to trick Damon but Damon sees through this. At the end of the episode, Alaric gives Damon The Cure.
In Graduation, Alaric helps Jeremy, Elena and Damon against the Brotherhood of the Five. Connor tries to kill the families of students in the Grill, but Alaric manages to stop him. Later, Alaric rescues Damon from being killed by Vaughn. In the last moments, Alaric congratulates Damon as he finally got the girl, and says that he must not ruin it.
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In 500 Years of Solitude, Alaric appeared at the Boarding House where he was seen by Bonnie and Jeremy. When asked by Jeremy where he had been, Alaric said that he wouldn't leave Damon in charge without looking back to check in on everyone. After Damon raised his glass to Alaric, he smiles fondly and seems at peace as he looks at everyone he cares about.
In Home, Alaric's ghost came to assist Elena's on the Other Side, saying he would find Damon and get him to Bonnie so they could all pass through to the land of the living together. However, when he found Damon they were delayed trying to save Sheriff Forbes from being trapped under the rubble in the Mystic Grill. After helping the sheriff, Alaric and Damon met up with Bonnie, who grabbed Alaric first, allowing him to pass through her and resurrecting him. 
However, after Ric came through, Lucas Parker stopped the spell allowing the ghosts to pass through Bonnie. Alaric was the last to come back before Damon was trapped. The Other Side collapsed, taking both Bonnie and Damon with it, leaving Alaric as a resurrected vampire. Alaric found Elena breaking down and hugged her, his first acts since his return being to comfort a distraught Elena and Jeremy over their losses.
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==Throughout The Originals Series==
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In Voodoo in My Blood, Alaric walked out of a gas station outside of New Orleans while talking with Klaus on the phone, having been asked to find one of the Hollow's. Alaric explained that he found an ancient finger bone at the Lockwood estate, but didn't want Klaus to come back to Mystic Falls so would be bringing it to him. Alaric went on to say that the Lockwood family kept records about the bone and that other families of werewolves protected the rest of the Hollow's remains. He elaborated that the Labonair family could find the rest of the bones. However, Alaric emphasized that he didn't want to fight anyone, since it wasn't his fight, and wanted Klaus to meet him at a barbecue restaurant. 
As Alaric drove to the meeting place, he was ambushed by The Hollow in Sofya's body. The Hollow demanded that Alaric hand over the finger bone. As Alaric tried to stall The Hollow from hurting him he went to the back seat of his car and pulled out a crossbow. He used the crossbow on The Hollow and she used her magic on him, completely overpowering him. Alaric was thrown through the air and onto his back. The Hollow prepared to finish him and approached his vehicle but Alaric pulled out a gun, revealing that he had filled his car with explosives. He fired at his car which blew up right next to the Hollow. However, his efforts weren't enough to stop the Hollow from taking the finger bone.
Soon afterward, Alaric was found in the road by Elijah Mikaelson and Marcel Gerard. Marcel was surprised that Alaric was the occult expert that Elijah had told him was bringing the bone. Alaric explained to them that someone had taken the bone and described what his assailant had looked like. Marcel quickly realized that it was Sofya and he and Elijah prepared to go after her. Before they left, Alaric told them that he studied the Lockwood's records thoroughly and found another pack name, Del Robles. He told them that the Del Robles bloodline had ended and someone from that family was buried with the Hollow's bone they protected. Alaric helpfully told them where the family was buried in the Tremé section of New Orleans.
Later that night, at the Abattoir, Alaric meets Hope Mikaelson. Realizing that she was practicing witchcraft, Alaric told her the good things about being a witch and there were plenty of things to study that didn't hurt. He complimented her on how much she had already learned and then told her it was great to meet her. He suggested the possibility that they might meet again some day. Alaric walked over to the courtyard to speak with Klaus and told him that he can't keep Hope locked up in the Abattoir forever. He went on to tell him about the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted that he and Caroline had started for children with supernatural powers. He explained that even his own daughters were doing well there, and using their magic for good. He told Klaus that Hope was always welcome there, before leaving.
In The Feast of All Sinners, Alaric is at the Salvatore Boarding House. That turned into a school for kids that have mystical powers. He walks up to Hayley who just arrived with Hope. He tells Hayley that Hope looks like she is doing well talking to kids her age. He tells her about the kids there and how they all get along and willing to learn new things about witchcraft. He then tells Hayley what they teach the kids. And how these kids will be better at accepting who they are being mystical.
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In The Tale of Two Wolves, Alaric is wary of Klaus when he shows up and initially denies his request for his daughter's service of siphoning out the Hollow's dark magic and transferring into Klaus. However, he changes his mind after he sees Klaus acting like a father. After the spell is completed, Alaric takes the girls away.
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==Throughout Legacies Series==
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In You Have to Pick One This Time, Alaric holds an emergency session with Kaleb, MG, Lizzie and Josie. They discuss how they're going to deal with Malivore and particularly how Hope fits into that plan. During the meeting, Hope bursts through and interrupts them, shocked to find a barrier spell over Malivore's cage and they're having a meeting without her. They plan to target Cleo, hoping they can inspire a way for them to free her and, by extension, Landon. MG plans to use his and Kaleb's vampiric abilities to infiltrate Malivore's consciousness. Hope likes the plan, but is confused about why she wasn't told sooner. The consensus is that they know how Hope acts with things when it comes to Landon. They can't have her going off the rails and messing things up. They decide to leave it to a vote.
With a plan set in motion, Alaric, Kaleb, Lizzie and Josie approach Malivore. He's already aware they're planning a head dive, and warns them that since he's aware, they'll be going into his conscious mind. There he'll be able to torture them. Josie is weary and suggests to stop, but Alaric pushes forward. Kaleb suggests to be his wingman, but he's adamant to stick to the plan. Kaleb initiates the head dive and Alaric enters Malivore's consciousness.
Alaric finds himself in a past memory, a fabricated reality within Malivore as opposed to darkness. Kaleb appears and they realize it's the night they met at his old high school, East Point.
Alaric attempts to find a way out but everything is closed off. Kaleb remembers the night, clearly. He caught the winning touchdown and believes he'd be going pro if it wasn't for Alaric finding him and taking him to the Salvatore School. Alaric believes that football would have been the least of his worries, and admits that he's only ever tried to look out for him. A light appears down a vacant hallway and they follow it through to a locker room. Malivore is there, waiting for them. Malivore has seen into their minds and this particular memory doesn't quite match up.
Entering the light, they cross the threshold into a hut and find Cleo and two of her sisters. They're shocked to see them, but Cleo quickly reminds her sisters that she invited her friends for dinner, too. Hope plays nice with Cleo but quickly goes against MG's plan, asking about Landon, despite his warnings. Hope lashes out and they argue until the illusion breaks. The three of them are returned to the darkness.
Both he and Cleo are upset and the latter attempts to walk off. He reminds Hope that this isn't in the playbook, but Hope refuses to sit by and continue to play make-believe anymore. The illusion never lasts and she reminds Cleo that friends do; that they're real and have come to save her. Cleo didn't believe anyone would come for her, but they have. They need her to use her muse powers to lead the way to bring her, and Landon, home. Their attempt, however, is cut short with the arrival of Malivore, as his consciousness has been alerted to the disruption. He quickly sends MG and Hope into another fabricated reality.
Malivore explains that Kaleb did feed, but that was just the appetizer. Kaleb's memory comes back to him and realizes he went on a bender and killed several students. Uncontrollable bloodlust. The event was so traumatic that his mind repressed it. Alaric attempts to help him, and searches for his vervain, but Malivore rewrite the memory. Before he leaves, he tells them that if they die within his consciousness, it will severely damage their mind in the real world.
Alaric tries to talk Kaleb through his heightened bloodlust. Kaleb wonders why he didn't tell him before, but Kaleb didn't need to know. All that currently matters is that he can beat this. Kaleb lasts as long as he can but succumbs to the bloodlust and attacks, though a body throws himself between Alaric and Kaleb. It's Landon in the flesh, so to speak. Landon is fine and Alaric embraces him in a hug. Landon explains that this place was lighting up the darkness like a beacon. With Malivore distracted elsewhere, Landon questions just how long he's been gone.
Leaving the school for the football field, he, Kaleb and Landon catch up on missing events. Kaleb wants to continue to tell him more, Landon reminds him that he can't know since Malivore will know. Alaric assures him that Hope is on the case. Ultimately, Landon believes that as long as he's the only viable vessel, this only ends in two ways. He either dies, or Hope becomes a tribrid. Landon wants them to avoid the latter. Alaric reminds him that if they kill his body, then that would be closing the last door in or out of Malivore. He would be trapped. Landon knows this, but asks Alaric to do it. Their conversation is cut short when a bright white light engulfs them. They've been expelled from his consciousness by Lizzie and Josie. Back in the gym, Hope asks if they found anything out about Landon, but Kaleb tells her they didn't find anything.
Later that night, he and Kaleb share a drink. Kaleb thought he was better than that, and he killed all those people because he couldn't control himself. He reminds Kaleb just how far he's come and admits that is growth. Kaleb attributes that to him, for bringing him to the Salvatore School. He comes to the conclusion that sometimes the truth can do more harm than good, at least until you're ready to hear it. Together, they believe Hope isn't ready yet. Whatever Alaric decides, Kaleb will be right there backing his play.
In There's No I In Team, or Whatever, Alaric is unboxing t-shirts when Kaleb approaches his office. He's upset for having lied to Hope about Landon, again, but Alaric assures him that it's a necessary evil. Kaleb notices the the box and Alaric explain that they're t-shirts for Movie in the Square. Their school still owes community service for last year's football fiasco and he needs him and Lizzie to supervise the students while at the event.
Later, caught up with Hope's plan, she prepares the transfusion ritual drawing out the intricate sigil on the floor. Alaric is concerned that Ryan won't show up, but Hope remains confident that he will. He wants redemption, even if he won't admit it. A short while later, Ryan appears, to his surprise. He's short on cash to cover his medical bill, but admits he hates owing a debt to Hope.
Alaric uses the therapy box for Hope and the others to prepare for the spell, though they've failed again, adding to the other ten failed simulations. Hope demands to run it again, but Josie counters that they're doing something wrong. Hope can't be the one to perform the spell.
Hope decides to hand over the spell to Josie, though Ryan is immediately concerned. Josie performs the transfusion ritual and Hope sits on the sidelines, talking to Alaric. Hope believes she wouldn't have to put them through any of this if she'd just become the tribrid. She used to think that she'd do anything for Landon, but hesitates on this. Malivore, however, begins to wake from the sleeping spell. Though the spell is complete, Malivore is still possessing Landon.
Alaric and Hope return Malivore to his cage and learn that the transfusion ritual worked, but he was inspired by Cleo. He learned of Hope's plan and instead transferred a dybbuk to Ryan. A dybbuk is a parasitic spirit of Jewish folklore that imbues its host with supernatural strength. Malivore sends the dybbuk to Movie in the Square and reveals that the only way to kill it is to kill the host.
Alaric prepares to go after Ryan, but Hope refuses to kill him. She made a promise. Alaric respects her decision, but he won't let him hurt the people he loves, his daughters or students. Hope decides to veto his decision and casts a sleeping spell on him.
Sometime later, Alaric awakens and MG discovers that Ethan, who was concussed, left. Together, they go searching for him and find him held captive by Malivore. He threatens to kill Ethan and demands to be released. Alaric is forced to do as Malivore asks and releases him and he kidnaps Ethan in the process. With Hope, Lizzie, and Kaleb's arrival, he comes clean about Landon.
In We All Knew This Day Was Coming, he, Dorian, and Kaleb are listening in on a dispatcher call, hoping that the human locals can find the missing students, though there's been no sign of them. Hope enters his office and confirms that the locator spells haven't worked and Malivore must be cloaking himself. Kaleb wonders what they can do next, but Alaric tells them there's nothing they can do, yet, unless the wolves can pick up a scent and they have to wait. This is a hostage situation because Malivore still has Landon, Cleo, and Ethan. They can't afford to do anything reckless. Hope is still upset that Alaric just let him go and about how he kept the fact that Landon was alive from her. Dorian leaves, but believes that Hope is right. They should have told her. Alaric and Kaleb continue to keep their secrets, but Hope decides to take care of Malivore herself. She telekinetically takes a sword from Alaric's hidden weapons cache and goes hunting herself.
Alaric, MG, Kaleb, Lizzie and Josie, arrive at the packing plant too late. Hope has just killed the newest creature, but all they find on the floor is the missing student, Blake. Alaric briefs Dorian about the dead student while Hope is beside herself for his death. Alaric tries to console her and that she couldn't have known. Hope decides in that moment that she'll become the tribrid before anyone else gets hurt.
Back at the school, Alaric storms after Hope while MG, Josie, Lizzie, and Kaleb listening from afar. Hope is adamant on turning, but Alaric still believes there's another way. Malivore has found a way to turn innocent people into monsters that he can control. Eventually, they'll run out of cages and chains and spells. The longer Malivore remains alive, the more innocent people are in danger. Alaric believes her to still be in shock, but Hope refuses. Alaric would have made this choice a long time ago, but he believes she's not ready. Hope believes he doesn't trust her but he reminds her that she is still her father's daughter, no matter how much power she'll have. Crossing a line, Hope tells him to leave. The choice is hers and hers alone to make. Before leaving, Alaric asks her if she's ready to give up on Landon and Cleo.
Alaric leaves and wants MG, Kaleb, Lizzie, and Josie to reconvene in the library, though only MG and Kaleb follow. He wants them to search the books for anything to remove a magical parasite from its host. They need to find a way to pull Malivore out of the people he's infecting. It's now a race to find a solution before Hope goes through with her plan.
Alaric receives an impromptu visit from Dorian, who was called by Josie. He hands Alaric a folder with names, spells in list form, and blank goodbye letters. Dorian explains that it's his plan for the day of the Merge. He figured that Alaric wouldn't be thinking straight, fighting until the last second should that day come. If the worst happened, they would need a plan, because there are some things that can't be avoided. This is one of those days they've been trying to avoid with Hope becoming a full tribrid. It's happening whether or not he's ready. He questions if he's going to make her face it alone.
Lizzie, Josie, Alaric and others are with her as she's pulled from the prison world, visiting Rafael. They've set up a meal at the Old Mill to spend Hope's last day alive together. Hope accepts the gesture.
Wade and others share stories about Hope, such as she casting a spell on a professor to only speak Sumerian or when she was taken control of by the slug. They enjoy her company and laugh at the various stories. MG asks what she'll miss most. Hope recounts that witches lose their abilities to do magic when they complete their transition. Not being able to cast another spell is something she'd miss, particularly with Lizzie and Josie. Speaking of, they've prepared a spell for the three of them to cast. Alaric approaches them when they've completed the spell. Hope is now ready.
As Hope picks a few photos to keep with her, Alaric explains that her emotions will be on overdrive and she'll be disoriented. Alaric recalls the time she first arrived at the school. She made a painting for him. She wanted to be a part of his family and Alaric tells her that she is. He apologizes for his earlier comments. He's not ready to let her go. In fact, she was right about him. His former self never got to watch her grow up or who she would have become. He respects and loves her dearly. She thanks him and he tells her he has one last confession. The meal and spell was a stall. There's someone that wants to see her; her aunt Freya.
Lizzie sits with Alaric and wonders how long it would take for Hope to wake up. After a few hours, she'll awaken in transition and then she'll need to feed to complete it. Lizzie questions if that is an option she or Josie should consider, believing it would solve the Merge. Alaric believes in theory it would be possible. Lizzie's unsure if that's what she wants, becoming a vampire, but it's an option. The day they're afraid of just might come. Lizzie would like to talk about the Merge more instead of it being a big, unspoken thing and he agrees.
In See You On The Other Side, he, Lizzie, and MG listen to Jed as he explains what Ethan and Kaleb are doing. They're enthralling townies with black goo. They need to save the townies and find a way to bring back Landon and Cleo. Alaric is aware of Malivore's plans to try and split them up and fight on multiple fronts. However, that's exactly his plan; he knows what each of them are capable of doing. Alaric will go to the abandoned train station, alone, and face the townies to rescue Hope. He leaves the other two fronts to MG to lead. 
Alaric stalks the train yard and is surrounded by Malivore controlled townies. Not wanting to kill them, he throws down his gun and pulls out a bow staff.
Outside the Train Depot, Alaric successfully incapacitates the townies, though not without injury. Kaleb is his next opponent, and he's been upgraded by Malivore. Kaleb's eyes turn orange, and he breathes out fire.
Alaric takes cover as Kaleb attacks, toying with him. Alaric attempts to reason with Kaleb, since he's still worrying about him. Kaleb instructs him to leave, but Alaric refuses. He tells Kaleb that Malivore has Hope. Kaleb explains that he's the reason why he has her. Alaric continues to put his trust into Kaleb and reassures him that he believes in him. Kaleb doesn't want to do this, here, and Alaric wants him to fight it like his bloodlust. Alaric bets his life on Kaleb as his eyes turn orange, but Kaleb takes control, albeit temporarily. Malivore takes control of Kaleb. Malivore berates Alaric for teaching his students on how to be prey as opposed to predators. It makes his job easy but believes him to be pathetic. Malivore assures him that no one will remember them. Once Hope is dead, he will consume them all except Alaric so everyone will remember him as a failure. As Malivore attempts to kill Alaric, Hope surprises him from behind and stabs him. Hope quips about the dragon's soft spot, but falls to the ground, nearly unconscious. Malivore regains consciousness, learning that Hope's escaped and goes out to the train yard, planning to end her himself.
Alaric crawls to Hope and cuts open his hand attempting to feed her. Hope is awake and stops him, but she hesitates. She doesn't know if she can handle what comes after. Alaric has never seen anything she can't handle and is willing to take the risk if she is. He never wanted it to come to this, but Hope accepts her fate. She takes his hand and consumes his blood, completing her transition. Nature itself signals the birth of the tribrid, the sky turning blood red, thunder and red lightning striking through the sky. Malivore arrives just in time to witness Hope's complete transition. Hope instructs Alaric to take Kaleb back to the school and she'll handle Malivore. He grabs Kaleb and leaves for the school.
That night Alaric waits in the gym as Kaleb revives. Alaric admits that the cage is for safety but Kaleb is feeling like his old self, but believes he's still part dragon. That is unexpected for Alaric, but he tells Kaleb that all the townies are back to normal and they don't remember anything. It's finally over. He tells Kaleb that Landon didn't make it. Kaleb doesn't know what he was thinking, but love blinded him. It's a story Alaric and Cleo know well. Alaric hands Cleo the key to Kaleb's cage.
At the Town Square, Alaric arrives to greet Hope. He's late because he had to make sure the students were safe. Hope asked him not to tell the others he's coming, because she doesn't want them here. She admits that love is a burden and stops Alaric as he tries to comfort her. She thought she was prepared to become the tribrid, to kill Landon and all the emotions it would bring. Alaric does know what she's going through. Her grandmother, Esther turned him into a vampire once and knows how it feels. Hope questions why he never turned it off, but he knows that is never the answer. Hope believes otherwise. Alaric realizes too late that she's already flipped her humanity off. She explains that she did it the moment she stabbed Landon, and admits that it's really working for her. She was so sick of her emotions controlling her and now she's finally free. She warns him to not try to talk her out of it. He wonders why she brought him here. She explains that he's meant to be a message to the others, so they will stay away, too. He doesn't believe they will listen, but Hope's true face appears as she reassures him that she'll make it loud and clear.
In I Thought You'd Be Happier To See Me, Alaric is taken to Mystic Falls Hospital as doctors perform surgery on him.
Lizzie, Josie and MG attempt to reach him through his subconsciousness, but fail. Eventually, Lizzie and MG are able to dive back into his subconsciousness and find him at Whitmore Medical Center. It's the night Lizzie and Josie were born, on March 15. Alaric finds them and calls out to Lizzie. They rush towards one another and embrace in a hug. MG found him. Given their expressions, Alaric assumes things aren't going so well in the real world. He remembers what happened, but he believes that his life is flashing before his eyes. He admits there haven't been too many highlights but seeing Lizzie, now, is a sight. He asks about Josie, but she wouldn't leave her side. Lizzie wants to go and bring him back with them, but he's not sure he can. Alaric tells her that beyond the door is him holding her and Josie for the first time, and giving them their names. She questions why he's never told them the story before, but brushes off that it was a complicated delivery and thought he would have more time with his daughters. Their time begins to dwindle, as the hallway begins to dim and darken. He fears he's out of time and apologizes to her.
Alaric explains that he wants to apologize to her, and Josie, while he still can, for failing them. All these memories, the school, his whole life after this day became about one thing—protecting the both of them and making sure they remain protected, even after he was gone. That is why he changed his mind about Hope, though he came to realize that if they could have turned out so well, so could she. He imagined a world where they became friends and, even, family where they would protect each other. He believes he's let her down and pleads with her to forgive him. MG, too. MG immediately believes he doesn't have too. He's made plenty of mistakes, but offers his forgiveness freely. Lizzie, however, refuses too. She wants him to forget about walking off into the light and demands him to come back with them and for him to make it up to them and apologize to Josie. But just in case, he apologizes anyway. He's sorry for when he wasn't there for her and her sister, for all the times he prioritized Hope or being headmaster over being their father. For not telling them more often how perfect he thinks they both are in his eyes, and all the flaws that they think they have are what makes them. Ultimately, he's sorry for leaving them in a world more dangerous than before, when all he wanted to do was make it safer. However, he knows they'll figure it out, better than he could. He tells her he loves her and has her promise him that she and her sister will take care of each other, no matter what. Lizzie clings to Alaric as they're engulfed in darkness.
In You're A Long Way From Home, Lizzie prepares the spell to save their father with the other dying man. As she casts the spell, a young woman beats on the locked door, wanting to see her dad. Lizzie tells her just a second and tries to keep going, but her pleas reach Lizzie. The girl wants to say goodbye to her father and Lizzie stops the spell.
In Limbo, Alaric appears behind Landon and the Necromancer, asking if they have room for a third on the boat destined for Peace, despite still being in a coma. His life continues to hang in the balance.
In You Will Remember Me, Alaric enjoys a milkshake with the Necromancer and Landon in the Salvatore Crypt in Limbo. He reviews the rules over limbo with them, and that the only way to get to Peace is if they have a coin, which the only way to get is if he does something good, like reconciling with someone from their past. Landon has a theory that the whole point of Limbo is to atone for the mistakes of your life. Once they've done that, the boat to Peace awaits. The rules of Limbo are funny and the Necromancer questions how they can hold and taste their milkshakes. To Alaric though, that doesn't even matter. After the Necromancer made his way into Limbo, he discovered that it's teeming with scores of lost souls and if Landon's theory is correct, they have numerous people they can help to get coins. Now that they know the rules they can cheat the system. Once they get themselves a third coin, they can leave Limbo, but they can steal the boat and return to the world of the living. Landon questions if something is wrong, if Hope is okay.
In the Town Square, Alaric asks the Merman to forgive him. Seemingly able to communicate with him, the Merman hisses in frustration. Alaric reassures him that he had no idea about the land mine that killed him. If he had, he would have warned him. The Merman spits out water at him and walks off, annoyed. The Necromancer hands him a towel and Alaric questions since when are monsters in Limbo. He's been pondering the same thing while he's been failing. Perhaps they've always gone here, just like them, or it could be a result of Malivore's destruction. Either way, they're not sticking around long enough to find out. The Necromancer points out that he's not excelling at making amends, though Landon appears with Vera Lilien, who isn't particularly happy to see him. She questions Landon about how he can help her.
Alaric talks with Vera, but believes everything to be insane. She questions Alaric if he actually expects her to forgive him for running a supernatural school in their town and not telling any of the people whose lives were destroyed, including her daughter. It's a lot, but he's here to make peace for both of their sakes. She denies him, reminding him that her daughter was eaten by a giant spider. Alaric spins the conversation back to her. He didn't even know she had died. She claims she died of a broken heart, and lung cancer. She questions how he's not in hell, but it's been destroyed. This, however, is their hell. She berates him, asking why he's even bothering with apologizing if he clearly doesn't think he's done anything wrong. Landon believes her point. Alaric quips back at her for her being hypocritical. She is trapped in Limbo because she and her daughter are two of the world's most miserable people. She asks if he's even met his daughter, but Lizzie has nothing to do with it. As erratic and intolerable as she finds Elizabeth, she forgives her. She's only screwed up because he is her father. This realization, however, grants her a coin. Alaric tries to grab it from her, but she snatches it away. He deserves to be trapped here with all of his regret. She asks directions for the boat to peace and Landon points her back the way they originally came. Alaric is mad that Landon took her side, but he walks off to try and find someone else. Turning back to the Necromancer, Alaric exclaims that they're never getting out of there. However, he knows exactly who Alaric needs to talk to — Landon.
Alaric finds Landon back at the Salvatore School, admiring a photo of him and Hope. Landon apologizes, but Alaric tells him there's no need to as the Necromancer pointed out that he is the person he needs to talk to. Landon doesn't understand. He didn't know what he'd get him into when Hope brought him to the school, but he allowed him to stay. Landon explains that his school was his home, the only one he really had. He gave up everything, including his life, for it. Landon doesn't regret it. He was ready to move on to Peace until he showed it. Landon, however, wants to find his way back to Hope to help her. Alaric explains in order to do that, he has to give everything up all over again. Landon believes he thought he had already done enough that his and Hope's choice mattered even though they couldn't do it together. They fought their fate for so long and they fulfilled it. He tells Alaric he has no idea what he's supposed to do now. Alaric tells him he's sorry and pulls him into a hug, gaining his coin to Peace.
In I Can't Be the One to Stop You, he, Landon, and the Necromancer make their way back to the Ferryman on the dock. He plans to jump the Ferryman as soon as they get on board the boat and get back home. The Necromancer wonders if they can detour and drop him off in Peace, but quickly foregoes the comment. Approaching the Ferryman, he stretches out a hand, seeing what they've come to offer. They each present their coins to him and, in turn, he places each of the coins into three separate jars, pointing to each of them as he did so. Landon's jar however, is much smaller than Alaric and the Necromancer's and he figures they owe more than one coin.
He and the Necromancer drink since they have larger jars to fill with coins. Alaric attempts to justify his actions, believing that each of the lives he's taken had it coming. The Necromancer points out that the system isn't just since Landon is atoning for things that he did while under Malivore's control. Landon appears and tells them they have work to do. All those people in town are potential coins. All they have to do is help them let go of whatever is keeping them from passing over. He believes it comes down to one of three things, usually: parents, sex, and God. They need to figure out their damage and then it's a spiritual jackpot. With renewed spirit, the three of them spread out, determined to go home.
Alaric enters the Salvatore crypt. This is taking far too long and they've got to find another way out of Limbo. Landon questions if there's even another way out, but he has someone with him that can help. The sphinx steps out from behind him. What an unforeseeable surprise.
In The Story of My Life, he, Landon, and the Necromancer are given a new riddle by the sphinx. "If you pray twice a day beneath a false face, you'll be as blue in the face as I am. Who am I?" As they attempt to decipher the riddle, they come up short. The Necromancer berates himself for allowing Alaric to talk him into giving up all their coins for this mumbo jumbo. This is now the second time the sphinx has betrayed him. Alaric reminds him that he was trying to bring about the end of the world the first time. Landon, however, believes the riddle is true, though perhaps not exactly how they expect it to be. While Landon attempts to promote teamwork to figure out the riddle, the Necromancer is too angry with Alaric and decides to take a nap.
Alaric and Landon continue to try and figure out the sphinx's riddle, though Alaric becomes frustrated and decides to give up. Landon attempts to rally him, as this is his plan. The Necromancer believes that Alaric is a gullible moron who's doomed them to remain in Limbo forever. Alaric, more or less, agrees with him and believes this is the fate he deserves. Landon empathizes with him, bouncing around from one foster home to the next. He believed that if no one ever wanted him to stay, then there was something wrong with him. That is until Rafael changed that for him. With the three of them here, their sins don't define them unless they let them. He promises them that they're just one good moment away from believing it. Attempting to join hands, the Necromancer is struck with inspiration. The hands and face of a clock. The riddle is referring to the clock tower in the Town Square.
Within the clock tower, Alaric, Landon and the Necromancer, make their way into an underground bar. Believing that the sphinx has never lied to them, someone here must know their way out of Limbo. At the bar they met a blue-faced man, a jinni. Alaric tells the jinni to hold the drinks as they're going to need three wishes instead.
In Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost, Alaric and the Necromancer drink and dance with other lost souls in the jinni's bar while Landon sits alone at a table. Alaric wants to toast to themselves for getting themselves out of Limbo, though Landon is less optimistic. Relating to a D&D campaign he played called Falcon's Landing, jinnis, depending on the mythology, are difficult to work with. The jinni appears before the three of them, introducing himself as Zied. He has a contract for the three of them to sign to get their three wishes, one wish for each of them. Zied explains that granting three wishes is a bit of a myth and that the number is entirely up to the discretion of the jinni. Three wishes between the three of them, he believes should be plenty, that is if they use them right. Landon already knows that Zied doesn't want them to use the wishes right and the one from his campaign was a total con man and the three wishes likely come at a heavier cost. The Necromancer reminds him that they don't have any coins, but that's not what Zied is after. After reading the contract, Alaric learns he wants their souls. Three wishes for three souls.
The Necromancer doesn't agree to the terms and conditions of their three wishes. He knew from the start the sphinx would screw them over. Landon questions if the contract says anything about why Zied wants their souls, but all it says is that the contract is "perpetually binding" once they all sign it. The Necromancer refuses, believing that being trapped in Limbo forever is the only thing they can accomplish by themselves. Landon, however, believes they should take the deal despite his earlier comments on Falcon's Landing. The wishes his party campaign made had consequences they hadn't anticipated and before they knew it, they were at each other's throats. Where they went wrong was the thought put into the wording of their wishes. Landon believes that if they had been simple, clear, and concise, they might have made it out of the Landing alive. The jinni used their greed and carelessness against them. The Necromancer isn't so sure. He can recoup coins, but his very soul, as questionable as that is, is not something he's willing to risk. Landon offers a counter offer; they will use their wishes first and should they fail, then he can go last to wish himself to Peace. Zied agrees to the new terms and accepts the signed contract. The Necromancer immediately distrusts Zied for his willingness, believing that he's in league with the sphinx. Alaric, however, believes that he means if souls can just wish themselves back to Peace, then he wonders why this place is so packed. Zied explains that they all want to go back and that is what keeps them trapped here in Limbo. Not the coins, but, perhaps, the fear of the unknown. When push comes to shove, even when Peace is at their very fingertips, it's always something else. People wish for the world and the worldly comforts they know. That's the trap.
After Landon makes the first wish, Alaric isn't sent back with Landon and the Necromancer to the real world. Furious, Alaric fights Zied, repeatedly punching him, though surprised to see Landon and the Necromancer back in Limbo. The Necromancer explained that Zied technically didn't have to, because he's technically not dead. They come to the conclusion that they wasted their first wish. They want to know what game Zied is playing and he offers them all a drink, wanting to explain everything.
The Necromancer, getting frustrated, wants to go ahead and wish himself to Peace, though Landon reminds him he still has the third wish. Based on what they now know, Alaric's wish has a lot to accomplish. It's got to bring their souls back from Limbo, put them back into their bodies, two of which are dead, one of which is alive, and somehow has to bypass the Ferryman's powers so we don't just end up back in Limbo. Alaric has also noticed that Landon seemed pretty shaken up after they returned and questions what else has happened back in the real world. Landon holds on to the secrets and tells him that it can wait. Alaric decides to finish his drink and tasks the two of them to talk to the other patrons, to see if they can figure out how to beat Zied's game.
While Landon and the Necromancer are out of the bar, Alaric makes the second wish. After they return, Landon notices that the Necromancer's eyes has begun to change colors. Alaric wished for him to become "the Necromancer" once again.
Back at the crypt, the Necromancer fights his darker impulses. Though apparently rotting, he is furious with Alaric. He doesn't understand how he would betray him and then believe he would do as exactly as he said. He believes that the Necromancer can bring him and Landon back to life and leaving him to use the third and final wish to reach Peace. He threatens to just use his wish right now, but doesn't know why he won't. Alaric believes it's because he's changed, just like when he sacrificed himself for his students. Alaric explains that if there was any other way, he would have wished for it, but his powers are the only thing that can bring them back to life without the Ferryman interfering. The Necromancer makes them leave the crypt, telling them he needs time to concentrate to do the spell.
Alone with Landon, he confronts him about the secrets he's keeping. Landon decides to explain why he's keeping them, rather than tell him. He admits that he was afraid of what he'd do. Not that it matters, as he still screwed things up. Alaric reminds him that he came clean about Hope and since then everything that has followed has been a series of increasingly risky, desperate moves. Ultimately, Landon tells him that the secret is not just about Hope, but Lizzie and Josie as well. The Necromancer emerges from the crypt back to his former self. His problem is solved, and just the beginning of theirs. Though he's grateful to be back, he won't be resurrecting them. He'd rather use the final wish to punish them. However, Landon comes clean and explains that if he wanted to torture them, then he would send them back home.
The Necromancer laughs at the surprising new developments to Alaric's life in the mortal world. One daughter is an undead hybrid, the other has left, while Hope has turned into a villain like her father. Landon reasons that if the Necromancer returns them, they'll be heading back into their worst nightmare, plus he gets to keep his wish to break his contract with Zied. Alaric can't believe that Landon has kept this from him, though believed that if the Necromancer could change, so could he. However, the Necromancer believes one thing that Limbo has taught them. It's that we are who we've always been. The Necromancer decides to return Alaric and keep Landon in Limbo. The Necromancer believes that it's perfect. Alaric goes back and fails everybody again, but racked with guilt all the while, knowing that Landon's genuinely decent soul is trapped in Limbo with him, forever. Alaric doesn't like it but Landon wants him to prove them both wrong, to work with his students and save Hope. With his final words, the Necromancer returns Alaric to the mortal world, waking up from his coma.
Alaric stumbles out of this bed, though Wade finds him and helps him recover. Alaric doesn't understand why he's here, though Wade explains that Kaleb was his emergency contact and the hospital called the school. He has been monitoring all of the school's phones in his absence. Kaleb is out parking his car and explains that a lot has changed at the Salvatore School. Alaric already knows and will explain once Kaleb arrives.
In Was This the Monster You Saw?, getting ready to leave the hospital, Alaric is released, though the nurse tries to convince him to stay a bit longer. MG is already there and presents him with a specially crafted cane and they embrace in a hug. Alaric, however, winces due to the pain of his still recovering body. Alaric thought Kaleb was supposed to pick him up, but MG explains that he was told by Kaleb that Landon had asked him to change how he will do things while they're in this crisis. MG is his new accountability buddy. Alaric accepts, so long as it doesn't interfere with him helping his daughters.
Arriving at the Salvatore School, the would-be surprise party is crashed by Hope Mikaelson. Joining him and MG in his office, Hope has a problem that also involves the school, beyond Alaric's cane issue. Alaric notes that his body and brain are still having trouble synching up because of what she had done to him. His doctors said he's lucky to even be walking. If he could, he'll probably try to kill her for murdering Lizzie. Hope, however, corrects him. It's attempted murder, considering she transitioned into a vampire. Hope also admits that she may have accidentally started a chain of events that has led to the gods returning to our world and she's pretty sure those gods want her dead. MG wants to know why this is their problem, and Hope questions his presence. Alaric explains that he is his accountability buddy, suggesting that she should get one. The way she sees it, this is no different than when Malivore came into their lives. Alaric believes that he shouldn't have involved his students, but Hope now needs an army to face the gods and these students are the only ones with the skill set. Alaric tells her that he's done making the decisions alone and defer the decision to them. Hope demands for him to be an adult and make them do whatever he wants. Hope turns to MG, trying to sway him to her cause. MG doesn't believe her to be right and she's given them more than enough to worry about. Changing tactics, she tells them that her god problem is also their Lizzie problem.
While Hope addresses the remaining squad members, he and MG attempt to listen from outside the Great Hall. After some time, Hope bursts out of the room, hitting Alaric and MG with the door. They've told her "no". If Alaric was so concerned with his daughters, then he should have taken matters into his own hands, like she has just done. She shows them Ben's bangle, though it's broken in half and the spell that protected him is now gone, which means something very scary should be making its way to the school. She believes that if she can prove to them that they can't beat a run-of-the-mill monster without her, then they'll take her deal.
Though he had left, Ben returned to the school with an unconscious Jed mumbling about Trey and his father. Hope reiterates to Alaric that it's time for him to man up and make the squad accept her proposal otherwise Jed will only get worse. Alaric asks Ben for another description of what attacked him and Jed. It was unlike anything he's ever seen before and admits that he would have let it consume him, if he wasn't for Jed. MG and Wade return with a picture book of a clown, asking if this is what attacked him. Ben confirms that it was. Ben questions how one kills a clown. But Hope quips that they don't because she will. Ben confronts Hope about being the one to hurt Jed and employs Dr. Saltzman to let him leave to protect the school. Hope, however, has trapped them all within the ground with a barrier spell and are stuck with the school. Ben reminds her that he's impervious to magic and she cannot hold him here. Hope has another plan and vamps to Ben and breaks his neck. Ben collapses to the floor dead, leaving Wade, MG, and Alaric surprised.
With a description of the monster, Alaric searches through texts when MG approaches him. Alaric believes he's found the monster, thanks to MG and Wade's help. He explains that the first clowns originated from Egypt and were essentially priests that had the ears of the kings, metaphorically. When the Romans plundered Egypt, they brought back more than obelisks and Cleopatra and the book he's reading from had recorded the history of a Roman village. That village used an effigy of a clown to confess all of their sins during an annual harvest festival where they'd burn the effigy down believing that it would destroy all their misdeeds along with it. That is until a conscripted Egyptian witch cast a spell bringing the effigy to life to punish the villagers for taking her away from her home. MG questions how Hope can kill it, but Alaric wasn't aware that they were accepting Hope's deal. Alaric offers him a seat next to him and explains that the bite from this Protoclown would poison the villagers. It would force them to confront the memories of the worst things they'd ever done, so that they could be redeemed, or die by being stubborn. Again, MG questions how this changes things. Alaric believes they can use this monster to help turn Hope's humanity back on and asks whether or not MG agrees with him.
With vervain out of his system due to his hospital stay, MG compels him to remain inside the school when he enacts his plan to confront Hope using the Protoclown. Stuck inside, he watches over Jed, still suffering from the clown's poison, and Ben's corpse. However, he soon hears Cleo calling out and leaves to investigate.
Alaric finds Cleo trapped in a cell. She explains that Kaleb was supposed to be but when MG came to them with a plan to take on Hope, he didn't believe her to be so powerful anymore. That was also Alaric's plan, but MG felt the same about him and compelled him to stay in the school. MG didn't want to be accountable for him getting hurt again, meaning they're going to face the clown without them. However, they hear the clown's laughter, meaning it's inside with them. Cleo wants him to free her, but he believes that she's safer inside the cell where she can't be reached by the clown. Despite not knowing how to kill it, he wants to try it even though he's weak. Cleo reasons with him. Everyone may think they're weak, but they're only weak if they believe it and asks him to unlock the door again.
Following Cleo's advice, Alaric comes up with a plan. Alaric sits in the library scribing sins and balling up the pieces of paper in the middle of the floor. The protoclown finds him, but instead of attacking him, begins to consume the pieces of paper. Alaric admits that this plan was more of a group effort, and he's had some help. Cleo appears behind the clown and stabs him in the head with Alaric's cane, the end of which was a frozen blade. Cleo comments that he's the one who guessed that a frozen blade would kill it because being born by a fire means death by the opposite. He thanks her for the advice.
With the clown destroyed, Alaric pours himself a drink with Hope mocking his accountability. He questions why she's still here. She figured she'd give him one last chance to save the world, now that his "Jiminy Cricket" is gone. In a way, she was right. He is the adult and it means having to tell kids like her things like this. They don't need her, but they want her here, because they still believe the real her is still there. She agrees if his students follow her order, but he refuses. They will work with her and not for her; that is their deal and she can take it or leave it. Hope doesn't have another choice and eventually accepts.
In The Only Way Out is Through, the Salvatore School begins a new day. MG comments to Alaric how weird everything feels so normal. Hope's been at the school for about 12 hours and hasn't put anyone into a coma yet. Alaric is less optimistic, believing the other shoe will drop. MG believes that Hope's humanity is flickering and they could perhaps nudge it along, perhaps with a profound emotional discovery. They intend to use the Therapy Box, but Hope has beaten them to it and smashed the box with a hammer. Hope has another plan, specifically developing a battle plan against the gods. Alaric reminds her that they know nothing about fighting gods, but Hope has already taken the liberty of inviting Professor Vardemus to the school.
Rupert has come with a new device, a Manticulum of his own design. He explains to Alaric, MG, and Wade that it uses algorithmic magic to calculate probabilities. MG specifically wonders how it will help them fight the gods, but Hope explains that, on its own, it can't. She intends to use Wade and run it like a super-accurate D&D campaign while the manticulum will tell them the outcome of any attack or defense. All they need to do is encode their powers into the device.
Professor Vardemus summons a battlefield for their practice session while Hope's humanity continues to appear to her. Rupert explains that vampires can move across the board in one turn and the speed of the gods varies. He has four hidden figures covered in sheets. He took the liberty of creating some automatons for the purposes of their game, using magic to sculpt them. The four automatons are Aurora, Jen, Ken, the father of an entire family of gods, and Lizzie. While Alaric is sure that Lizzie wouldn't fight against them, Rupert explains that to be sure of victory, they must plan for the worst-case scenario. Lizzie is a wild card. Wade comments that he's scored her loyalty to the gods pretty low, and believes that she can still be flipped back to their side. For the game, the two sides will alternate turns, with the Manticulum declaring success or failure of the moves based on the scores they've fed it. Rupert offers to Hope to draw to see who makes the first move. Her humanity appears, offering for her to take the left handed one. Hope, however, goes right and wins the first move.
Alaric and the others proceed with their simulation. Alaric believes that if they could talk to Lizzie, they can flip her back to their side. He believes their first move is getting her to safety. Her humanity tells her that she should listen, and though she believes they would be wasting their first strike, she goes with it. MG vamps to Lizzie though the manticulum calculates that Aurora would attack and kill him. His death turns Lizzie back to their side and she attacks and kills Aurora in a rage. Ben explains that Ken would attack Lizzie and she'd die. With her death, their probability of success drops to zero percent and they lose. Rupert finds this situation fascinating. As soon as Lizzie died, there was simply no move they could make that would lead to victory. He presumes there's a reason she is invaluable to winning. Hope now believes they have to save Lizzie first and wants to run the simulation again.
Rupert and the others run through several more simulations, each time they fail against the gods. Hope's humanity tells her she's going about it all wrong because they've already lost before they made the first move. Analyzing their enemies, Hope realizes the problem is that they're going first. They're facing them all at once and they should be forcing the gods to fight them. Hope declines the first move and Ben sends in Aurora to attack Hope first. Hope creates a barrier that throws Aurora off her feet. Hope sends in Kaleb, using his dragon fire. Aurora is killed and Hope has MG vamp to Lizzie. Ben has Ken attack MG, but Wade reads from the manticulum that he's just fast enough to save Lizzie.
Hope has rejoined the others with Ken, the last remaining on the field. Alaric thinks this is the point that Hope steps in, but Hope would rather send in her pawns first. Hope sends in Kaleb though Ben states that Ken would strike with lightning. Wade concludes that he dies. MG attacks next, though, again Wade explains that he dies. Ben advances Ken to Hope, who sends in Cleo. She too dies. Hope steps up to face Ken, though when pressed about the outcome, Rupert states that the manticulum calculates that she will still lose.
Running through another simulation, Hope has everyone attack Ken. Wade reads off the probability; they all die, but they do real damage against him. She moves in to attack next, though Rupert tells her that she's still not enough and he defeats her. Hope's humanity questions if she needs her help and she barks back, telling her to shut up. The others look at her, questioning the outburst. Hope wants more cannon fodder, questioning how many students there's at the school. Kaleb, however, is finished with the simulations. She's been running them into the buzz saw all day like they're expendable, citing that she only cares about herself. He declares this version of her isn't worth dying for and walks out with the others.
Rupert joins Alaric who asks about Lizzie during their last meeting. Rupert explains that she seemed lost, that recent events left her adrift since all the people she counted on the most to help her suddenly weren't there for her. Alaric thinks that this should have been their fight to begin with. They're still all kids dealing with more than they should. Rupert has a different take. Every generation makes a mess of it and has to pray the next generation can break the pattern, save the world. He knows that these students are extraordinary and if anyone can find their way, they can, including Lizzie. Hope comes out the door. She knows what they have to do next. This time, she wants to run the simulation again, except with her humanity.
As Hope runs through another simulation, Alaric and the other come to her side; Kaleb, MG, and the others taking the next hits for her. Wade has adjusted the stats, though doesn't see how this is much of a battle upgrade, though Rupert believes much remains to be seen. Listening to her humanity, Hope wouldn't send everyone in to weaken him. She'd put herself in danger first because she can take it. She can hold the line for as long as she can, giving them the best chance. She attacks Ken alone. Wade tells her that she does damage to Ken, but he's still standing. Ben believes that his father would call down lightning. Rupert tells her that she's wounded and her life force is down to 70%. Hope continues to attack, drawing his fire, distracting him. Ben's father keeps striking and she's hit again. Her life force drops to 40%. Hope moves into close-quarter combat, inside the reach of his lightning. Wade tells her that her blows do damage, but she's too weak to block his attacks, dropping her down to 30%. Wade tells her that she has to get out of there, but Hope refuses to run. Her vision begins to blur at 20%, but she gets back up. Rupert tells her she has one move left. Kaleb, Jed, MG, Ethan, and Cleo come to her side, taking the next hits for her.
Wade tells them that they score another hit on Ken, but he's confused about what's changed. Rupert believes that Hope is giving them all courage, a belief they can win. Ben believes his father will retreat and ultimately they win, attacking as one. Her humanity tells her that they can win, all she has to do is just turn it back on. She wants her to let her out before she loses control. Hope closes off her humanity once again. All of this isn't real, it's just a stupid game. They're all pathetic and just little boys role-playing war. She calls them all disposable and that they mean nothing to her. She addresses her humanity, calling her a liar and a martyr. The others look on, confused about who she's talking to. Her powers continue to grow unstable, enough that she tells them that they need to do something because she's about to kill them all. She pleads with someone to take her out and Alaric breaks her neck.
Alaric watches over Hope contained in a cell. He's talking to someone on the phone. On the other side, he tells the person that he's glad they've called but he's heard nothing from Lizzie. He believes they and MG are right about Hope and she's close to regaining her humanity. He encourages that whatever they're planning, now, is the opening they've been waiting for.
In Everything That Can Be Lost May Also Be Found, MG finds Alaric on the floor. He fell trying to take a couple of steps without his cane. He asks about "Operation Humanity" and MG confirms that Hope is out under a spell. They'll know the outcome when she wakes up. Given his physical limitations, he'll hold things down while MG talks with the squad about what's to come. That, however, is the very reason he's come to talk to Alaric. He doesn't know how to prepare them for a war with the gods. Alaric wants him to convince them not to fight. The scenarios they ran with Professor Vardemus made it painfully clear that they were likely to suffer some casualties. Though he can accept it if it's himself, he doesn't want to lose a single student in this battle who is not fully aware of the risks. He tells MG that if anyone's still on the fence, now's the time to push them off into safer pastures. MG agrees and questions if he's okay alone. Alaric is, and he has an old friend stopping by for some advice. After MG leaves, he pulls out the prism and a bottle of bourbon.
Alaric uses the prism to summon a manifestation of his subconscious–his former Hunter. His subconscious believes that bringing him here was pointless. His daughter is a vampire, and, if it were up to him, she'd be dead. However, Alaric reasons that if that were true, then the school wouldn't exist. He believes that if he's going to lead them in a war against the gods, he needs to make sure he's looked at every play on the table. That there isn't some ruthless angle that his Hunter instincts sees, that he doesn't. The Hunter part of him tells him there's nothing he can do and his students will be wiped out, and he'll die. The only thing his subconscious can now relate to him is that he's still a drunk. With his innermost thoughts revealed to him, the manifestation disappears. 
Later that night MG comes back to him in his office. He's emptying out his liquor cabinet. MG assumes that whoever stopped by made an impact. Alaric has also shaved and tells him that he hopes to never see him again and asks how things went with the squad. MG tells him that no one's leaving. They trust them to lead them into battle, if it comes to that. While Alaric might trust himself to lead them, he's never stopped trusting him. MG doesn't believe the sentiment because he doesn't know if he can fight against Lizzie if she stays on the wrong side.
A knock rings out on the door and MG and Alaric turn to find Lizzie and introduce Jen to them. Jen has convinced her to come home and talk, though immediately believes it was a mistake and wants to leave. Alaric tells her no and has MG help him to her and the two of them embrace her in a hug. Lizzie believes she's done something really bad.
In I Wouldn't Be Standing Here If It Weren't For You, Alaric brings Lizzie her breakfast, though she's hiding from the world and her problems. He's brought her Belgian waffles, explaining that she's going to have to face the world at some point. Lizzie doesn't want to face anyone, but Alaric tells her that the lack of communication is half the reason they're in this mess and that's no longer an option. He explains that he's been doing some thinking in Limbo, something that Lizzie's not aware of due to the lack of communication. He wants to do better, starting now. Though she feels they'll regret this personal growth, she shows him her arm. Her brand is gone, which means either Aurora found a way to undo the spell, or the purpose of their covenant has been completed and someone raised a god. She tells her father that it's all bad and talking about it isn't going to help because no one will understand how everything just snowballed. Alaric assures her that they'll work on the god stuff but encourages her to talk to someone, even if it's not him.
Alaric requests for Jen to see him with Cleo, Kaleb, Ethan, and Jed in attendance. He hands her Cleo's drawing, inquiring if this looks like her father's handiwork. Lightning, fire, death, and destruction. She confirms that it is, though questions where they got the drawing. Cleo explains that she got a vision and Jen assumes that her half-brother, Ben, had awoken her father. Jed defends Ben, as they don't truly know if he's involved. Alaric points out that they do know this is the second piece of evidence pointing to Ken's arrival. They have to assume the worst and come up with a plan to save the school. Jen is sure they can't. Cleo is obviously an oracle and they see things that will happen. Even though she can see the future, she questions if she can't change it. Jen denies that she can. Regardless of what's to come, they have to try. Alaric instructs Jed to take Finch and clear out the school. Jed questions about saving Ben, but Alaric defers him, citing they need to focus on one crisis at a time. He wants Ethan to find MG and evacuate the town and Kaleb offers his assistance too. Cleo doesn't want him to go, but he reassures her that they'll make their own future.
Outside, a crack of thunder and a crash of lightning rings out over the grounds. Ken has arrived at the school. With a booming voice, he demands for them to hand over his traitorous daughter. If they refuse to hand her over, they'll all die. Alaric, Ethan, and MG discuss their options. Alaric refuses to hand her over and sends Jen away to the werewolf bunker until they come up with a plan. Ethan tells him that they're not in fighting shape–Jed is holding off Ben, Kaleb's still healing, and the last jump he did really took a lot out of him. They need Hope. Their timing is perfect with the arrival of Hope and Lizzie. Hope knows what she must do knocks out everyone in the school with a sleep spell.
Later that night as Lizzie recovers in her dorm room, he watches over her by her side. She's scared him, but notes that the school is still standing, so that's something. She asks about Hope and he tells her that she's resting. She can't rest because all of this is her fault. She spent all day hiding from that instead of owning it and apologizes to him. She needs to find a way to make it up to him and everyone else. Alaric offers her some advice. As somebody who's made their fair share of mistakes, he believes that the trick to atonement is to ask the people that you've wronged how to earn it, instead of deciding for them.
In Into the Woods, Alaric visits Ben in the werewolf transition space, the former thanking the latter. Alaric tells him not to thank him yet because he's betrayed them and raised a god he claimed to hate. Ben truthfully tells him that he does hate his father and that he was a fool to think that he could save the school from his wrath or free Jed of his curse. Alaric questions why he did it, though all Ben can say is, he thinks, for love. That is something that Alaric can understand and asks why he wanted to see him. Ben wants to find a way to atone for his mistakes, if that's even possible. Given his recent conversations with his own daughter, he'd be a hypocrite if he didn't believe that. With this, Ben offers to help kill his father. Alaric assumed that he couldn't die, much like Ben himself. That's not exactly true as only a god can kill another god. This revelation sounds awfully convenient and, perhaps, a lie just to get out of the cell. Ben pleads with him. When he first came to the school, he had to find a way to trust them and now they must do the same. The reason is desperation. Ben tells him that if he has a better plan, then to pursue it, but his father is as predictable as he is cruel. He believes he will be back to get what he suspects he wants.
Alaric speaks with Professor Vardemus over the phone and thanks him for his expertise. Before he ends the conversation, he asks about Ben's plan and what it would mean for him. He believes that his father will return to the school and take another shot at Hope and if he does, they need to be ready since Hope's still recovering.
With his questions answered, he returns to talk with Ben. He fears he must be losing his mind because he thinks Ben was telling the truth. Professor Vardemus thinks that siphoning the magic from him and weaponizing it against his father could work. Ben questions the hesitation, asking for him to be released. Professor Vardemus also thinks that in doing so, it would kill him because it's the same magic that allows him to die and resurrect. If they were to siphon it there's a very good chance that all of his organs would fail. What Alaric waits for now is for him to convince him that he didn't already know that.
Alaric doesn't understand Ben. Just yesterday he sold them out for a crappy cause and today he's willing to die permanently. Ben admits that every one of his countless deaths has been for nothing. If this final one means the end of his father and that Jed could be safe, he's willing to do it. Alaric sees that Ben has it bad for Jed and tells him that martyrdom rarely works out the way people who sacrifice themselves expect it to. Ben believes that he's allowing his students to do just that, however, Alaric believes there to be a difference. In his experience, if something's worth fighting for, there's always a chance that you'll win. Ben thinks that is either optimistic or delusional. Alaric was, until recently, cynical and disillusioned and the old version of him would definitely take Ben up on his offer, but he's beginning to like the new him much better. Ben wonders what he intends on doing with him. Odd are it's still going to die, but if he wants to get back at his father and atone, he employs him to use his powers to fight with them and opens the cell.
Alaric and Ben use the manticulum to test more battle scenarios with a chest board. Their latest move, though bold, ends in Lizzie's death. Hope wakes and points out they're not using their queen, which is a big mistake. She's the most dangerous piece. Alaric notes that she wasn't on the board, but it's good that she's awake now. He tells her that Ben's on their side now, though he leaves at Alaric's behest. Hope assumes things are going just as good as the last time, and while Ben does slightly enhance their chances, it's still not great. She tells him that Landon says hi, learning she was in Limbo. It's a long story but the moral of which is that there are some battles they can't win alone. Alaric places the queen back on the board, glad to have her back. The next move is hers.
In By the End of This, You'll Know Who You Were Meant to Be, Alaric calls together a squad meeting with Lizzie, MG, Jed, Hope, and Ben in attendance. Thanks to Cleo's vision they know that Ken is planning an attack on the school, but the good news is they get to choose the field of battle. With a map and chess pieces they strategize their battle plan. Hope knows he's after her and she'll draw him to a field. Ben points out that the tree line will prevent him from using lightning strikes. Hope also has a backup plan. Should they fail, they'll have a fallback. Jed questions if she thinks they're going to lose but Hope believes they won't. Either way, they need to stop him. Alaric continues to explain how Ben told them about a mixture the Spartans used to harm the gods."White fire and brimstone," otherwise, phosphorus and sulfur. If they can rig the whole meadow for a chain reaction and get Ken in the middle, the explosion will likely incapacitate him. While Cleo gets more intel, Alaric instructs the witches and vampires to get the minerals.Ben will show the wolves how to set up the bomb before they have to report to the bunker for the full moon. Jed questions why they're trusting Ben again and Alaric explains that he's proven to him that he's on their side. Lizzie figures out that whoever triggers the explosion, they're not likely to get clear in time, even at vamp speed. Hope confirms her suspicion and MG wonders who will do that. Hope refuses to give an answer, just that she's working on it. Ben offers that perhaps Ethan could use his powers, but Lizzie only tells them that he can't. MG continues that they can't offer an explanation until they talk to him about it first. With the meeting over, Alaric retires to his office, but Hope has something else for him to do.
Outside, he trains with Hope; she instructs him to keep his weight back because he can't pivot like he used to. Alaric retorts that he can't do much of anything like he used to. Hope reminds him that's why they're here. As they go again, Alaric collapses to the ground. Hope offers a hand, but he hands her his training batons. Had she quit on him during their training sessions, he would've gotten a quote from "The Art of War". Alaric gets up off the ground and though he appreciates her efforts, they both know where things are heading. He questions if she ran every part of her plan through the Manticulum and wants to know what it said when asked about the last move. However, he already knows. She didn't ask that because she didn't want to hear the answer but he knows it has to be him. Hope immediately refuses, but to him, it's the only part that makes sense. He won't be useful in any other part of the fight. Hope knows this because she's the one who put him in that position. Hope can't let something worse happen to him because of her, that's not fair. Alaric tells her that none of what's coming is fair and that's what Landon was trying to tell her. She has to stay alive, but not everyone else will. The more she keeps avoiding that truth, the more people she puts at risk. Hope believes she's doing the opposite, but Alaric explains that she's not. She's using the explosion as the fallback plan and she's on defense, when that should be their first, best option. If they do that, they're guaranteeing that someone's going to die. Alaric poses the opposite. Should it work, they could save many more lives. Just because everyone keeps telling her that she needs to accept death, doesn't mean she has to choose it. Alaric wants her to prove it, to use the Manticulum and ask the question.
Later, he's called into his office by Hope. He assumes he's right about her plan and Hope confirms that their best chance is triggering the god bomb up front. Alaric knows this isn't going to be easy for her and she's experienced more loss than anyone her age should ever have to. He's lost people he's loved in every way imaginable–long and drawn out, sudden and unexpected. None of them are good. He tells her that the worst is when you have regret. When you were unable to say the things that you needed to say. The rest you can't control and you have to make the most out of the time you have left together. Hope tells him that he'll have to take his own advice. She explains that he was right about the strategy, but wrong about who should trigger the explosion. It's not him, but Lizzie. It makes sense. If Lizzie can siphon Ken at the exact moment of explosion, she can weaken him. Maybe even kill him, if they're lucky. Lizzie is a hybrid and she has the best chance of surviving, admittedly, it's not really much of one. Alaric is silent and reads through the Manticulum output. He's at a loss for words but refuses to accept this. She can't ask her to do this, but Hope already has. Before she gave an answer, she needed to call her mom and Josie to decide. Alaric tells her there's no need, because he's telling her what she's deciding. Hope reprimands him, telling him this is not his choice. It's Lizzie's and deep down, he knows that. This is his daughter, but Hope retorts that everyone here is someone's son, someone's daughter, or father. Winning is how they save as many people as possible, and Lizzie is their best chance. Lizzie interrupts their conversation and asks if Alaric can give her a minute to speak to Hope and he leaves the room without a fight.
Eventually agreeing with Hope, he and the other students prepare a pre-victory party in the Grand Hall, they' surprising Lizzie and Hope. He's figured they could use a little pick-me-up and spend some time making memories with the people they love.
Stepping aside from the party, Alaric talks with Lizzie. He's not going to talk her out of it. She has too much of her mother, both of them, in her for that. He did, however, want something else. One of these days, she's going to have the most obnoxious, beautiful, and expensive weddings, ever. He was just thinking, instead of waiting, maybe they could have that father-daughter dance now, just in case. Lizzie accepts and they share a dance.
Rejoining the party, he stands in the crowd as Hope prepares a speech. Though this is hard for her, she just wanted to take a moment to say how much they all mean to her. She's a better person because of their friendship, love, and their belief in her. It's been the honor of her life to fight by their side. Hope wants everyone to raise a glass, to make a toast to the families that they've made.To the people that their families help them become. She's sure they're going to win.
In This Can Only End in Blood, Alaric watches over Hope's body as she performs an astral projection spell to meet Ken. After she wakes, he asks how it went, and she confirms that Ken has taken the bait. Now it's time for them to go to war.
Alaric approaches Cleo in the art room, thinking she'd like to go to Kaleb's vigil; she doesn't. Lighting candles and sharing stories will not help him or them for that matter. Alaric notices that she's packing a bag, and knows she has other plans. Guilt ridden, she explains that it was her decision that cost Kaleb his life, but Alaric tries to reason with her. His death was at Ken's hand. Cleo, attempting to leave, explains that he will pay dearly for it. Alaric blocks her path, telling her that he's already lost one student and doesn't want to lose another. Cleo reasons with him to let her go because while the school is fighting Ken, she'll make sure that no other god can do something like this again. Alaric uses his own experiences and attempts to get through to her. Revenge feels good for a brief moment, but it won't bring Kaleb back and it won't make her miss him any less. Cleo thanks him for the advice, noting that she'll be certain to enjoy that moment. Cleo walks past him as he's unable to persuade her to stay.
As the battle draws near, Alaric and Hope discuss their plan in the meadow. When Ken arrives, she'll need to keep him busy until Lizzie can vamp in, siphon him, and trigger the explosion. Best-case scenario, it results in his painful and permanent demise. However, should he survive, then Jed and Ben will lead the vampires and the werewolves out of the woods to finish him off. Hope points out that just leave him and he assures her that he'll hang back and support them with cover fire, so long as his leg holds up. They're as ready as they'll ever be, though there's just one final thing. He pulls her into a hug and she hugs him back. The sky darkens and thunder rolls through the clouds. Hope tells him to get into position as the show is about to start.
As Ken subverts this plan, Alaric, MG, and Lizzie rush through the trees. Lizzie remarks that these woods are about to be crawling with carnivores foaming at the mouth for vampire meat. She and MG need to get away from there. Alaric points out that if any of the vampires are bitten, it could cause a chain reaction, sending them all into a feeding frenzy, putting everyone in danger. MG has another idea, though it's risky. They need to get the wolves to safety by leading them to the tunnels beneath the school where Lizzie can trap them with a barrier spell. Lizzie questions who will be bait, but MG doesn't respond. She refuses to allow himself to be bait, to put himself in danger like that. MG points out that she's bait for their plan against Ken, and Alaric intercedes and tells him to do it. They have to protect the greatest number of students. While they handle the wolves, he'll get the vampires inside. A wolf breaks the tree line, snarling. Alaric raises his crossbow, telling the two to get to the tunnels that he'll hold it off since he's not after him. MG and Lizzie vamps away and Alaric takes aim. He pleads with the wolf to not make him do this, but the wolf has no reason. The wolf lunges for Alaric and he releases the bolt.
Shortly thereafter, Alaric covers the body of the slain student, having reverted back to their human-form. Ben approaches him from behind as Alaric discovers that his wounds aren't healing. Ben believes that his father has altered his curse and has made him mortal. Alaric assures him that the witches can heal him and attempts to get him to return to the school. Ben refuses to until he sees who lays dead behind them. Ben pushes past him and removes the jacket. Jed lays dead with an arrow in his heart. Ben's spirit is crushed as his cups Jed's lifeless face. Alaric had no choice since he was going after MG and Lizzie. He apologizes as Ben lets out an agonizing scream.
As Ken yells for Hope to come and face, he and Ben take the fight to him. Ben and Alaric stand and face Ken, who accepts to kill them first. Ben states that he'll make him regret all the things he's done today and for all the people that've died because of it. Ken's only regret is not killing him sooner. He launches the arrow back at Ben, but Alaric jumps in front of the arrow, taking it in the shoulder. The two amuse him; a mortal and a former half-god. Ken calls out to Hope, questioning if this is the best she's got to offer him. Lizzie vamps behind him; she's his next opponent. Facing her, he quips that last time she tried to take his power, she could barely contain it. Vamping to face him directly, she tells him she's been practicing and grabs his hand, siphoning. She calls out to Ben to get her father out of there and to get him help. Ben grabs up Alaric and the two stumble out of the meadow as Lizzie struggles to hold on to Ken who's resisting her.
Alaric, is still alive, rests in the makeshift infirmary. Ben finds him after helping an injured students. Alaric gives him the credit and asks about Ken. Ben confirms that Ken is dead and every curse he's placed has gone with him, so he's luckier than some. Alaric tells him how sorry he is about losing Jed, but Jed approaches them, telling them they don't have too. Alaric and Ben are shocked to see him standing before them. Jed offers Alaric an apology as he was the one who was trying to kill MG and Lizzie. He had to do what he did to protect them and bears no hard feelings. Alaric struggles to stand to hug him, but Ben embraces him instead.
In Just Don't Be a Stranger, Okay?, the Salvatore School holds a memorial service for Ethan on the front lawn of the grounds. Lizzie comforts MG, embracing him in a hug. Hope places a single red rose at an altar with his picture. Cleo finds and embraces Kaleb in a hug. Wade also comforts Pedro with a heartfelt hug. Alaric exits the school and watches over all his students mourning their friend's sacrifice.
Over the PA system, Alaric calls the students to report to the Grand Hall for assembly. Pedro, Wade, Finch, Hope, Cleo, Kaleb, Lizzie, and MG with all of the other students gathered, Alaric thanks them for being there. He begins with how he made Ethan's mother a promise, just like all of their parents when they enrolled, that he'd care for them as his own. However, they're here memorializing yet another student and that is not what the school was meant to be. The school was founded with a single mission: To create a safe space for young supernaturals. He comes to the conclusion that, in reality, it's anything but safe and achieving his mission statement has proven impossible. He declares that he can no longer keep his promise and informs the students that the Salvatore School must close. Murmurs rattle throughout the students and Hope stands in protest, however, it does nothing to sway Alaric. He has nothing more to say, except that he's sorry, and leaves the Grand Hall, leaving Hope, as well as all the others in attendance, shocked.
Hope argues with Alaric in his office, believing he's out of his mind. She goes on to say that he can't make this decision without consulting anyone. Alaric quips that he has, but Hope is offended because he didn't consult her. Had he, she would have told him that they need this place–she needs this place. Out of everyone in the school, Alaric is most confident that she can find a new path. Hope doesn't want a new path, considering she just got back on this one. Alaric has made his decision. This path leads to dead kids and, as a bourbon drinker, just because something feels good doesn't make it right. He tells her that saying goodbye to the school will hurt, but each day, it will get better. If they continue doing what they have been doing, the pain will only get worse. Hope is furious, proclaiming that the school doesn't need to close, just that it needs a headmaster that can handle the pressure. With her peace said, she leaves.
MG gathers Lizzie and Alaric for a meeting. Lizzie interjects, calling him Milton, though he stops her. Milton is a name wielded by bullies or his loved ones–Lizzie and Alaric are dangerously in the middle. MG tells Alaric that he can't close the school and shows them a stack of files. Each file is a person with a life, who needs a home. Lizzie wants him to face the facts as she believes that the school is dangerous for every person in that pile. Every time they solve one problem, another one just pops up. MG believes problems are why they ended up here in the first place–to be safe as the world is not safe for supernaturals. What they have here at the school is a home, a family. Rhetorically, Alaric asks him if he really thinks that he wants to do this because he and Caroline built this school for their daughters. They've all been through too much and they need a fresh start. MG scoffs at that, believing it to be a load of crap. He thinks they're running from grief because they don't want to hurt anymore. He thinks Alaric is making this decision for all of them and that he's doing exactly the thing that he promised Landon he wouldn't do. When Josie left, Lizzie made some bad decisions and reiterates that she'd rather cling onto her than stay at the school to face a life that's different.
Alaric sits in his office and contemplates signing paperwork for the dissolution of the school. While doing school, Hope barges in, questioning if he really had a witch put a barrier spell around his office. He admits that he bribed Pedro with a candy bar, but apparently overpaid considering she was able to get through it. Hope shuts the door with her magic and sits down to talk. He knows she's here to change his mind, but like he's telling everyone else, there's no point. Actually, Hope's come to thank him for helping bring back her humanity. Alaric doesn't take the credit, as it was Josie's idea but Hope already knows. Josie sent the talisman that Hope gifted her to her family in New Orleans and that's how her humanity was able to break through. It's spelled to make quiet things heard. Josie doesn't need it anymore and she asked her to give it to someone who does. Hope decides to give it to Alaric, just in case there's a little voice inside of his head trying to break through the fear. Alaric takes the necklace as Hope leaves his office.
That night, Hope returns to Alaric's office, still insisting that he can't close the school. He tries to interject, but she continues. She knows that things haven't gone the way he imagined, and maybe his mission statement has failed, but she concludes that makes him just like the rest of them. No matter what he founded it for, the Salvatore School is a place for second chances, to not be perfect. She may be the world's only tribrid, but she's still one of countless scared supernaturals around the world who need to be understood. She suggests that maybe their mission statement just needs to change, along with them. She tells him that she's finished and can talk, but not before informing him that he won't be changing her mind about this. He chuckles at her resistance and tells her that it won't be necessary; he's been thinking about the future, too. Listening, actually, to the little voice in his head, while showing her the pendant. She's right. Elated, Hope questions if he's keeping the school open. He responds, telling her yes and no.
On his way to the assembly, he interrupts MG and Lizzie as they're about to kiss. Awkwardly, MG and Lizzie move apart as MG struggles with his words. Alaric looks up at the memorial plaque for Ethan, gives MG a smile, and continues onward into the Grand Hall. MG and Lizzie quickly follow behind. 
Alaric addresses the school as they're meeting under happier circumstances. He announces that the Salvatore School won't be closing its doors. The students cheer and applaud the news. However, he continues, he will no longer be their headmaster, much to the students' concerned murmurs. He elaborates that the school's founding purpose was to protect them from the world, but now he believes the world will and must get to know them and their abilities. The truth is, they deserve to be known. With their permission, it would be his great honor to tell those stories by writing the definitive history of the supernatural beings he has come to know. So when that battle comes, they will all be better prepared, armed with the stories of the ones that they love, and those who they have lost along the way. He asks if there are any questions or objections and Wade stands. They probably all have the same question and ask who is going to be their new headmaster. Alaric promises to keep it in the Saltzman name and points to Caroline. The students turn to find her standing at the top of the stairs, admiring them all.
That night, Alaric packs up his Jeep, but not before being stopped by Hope. She thought he was leaving tomorrow, but that's the reason he's leaving now, while everyone's asleep. He's had enough goodbyes in his life, like her. She asks if he's going to be okay, but he turns the question on her. For the first time in a long time, she believes she will. He's happy and it proves that the school wasn't such a failure after all. Tearing up, Hope takes Alaric into a heart-felt hug and thanks him for being the second-best father she could have. In turn, Alaric thanks her for being the third-best daughter. Hope sees him off, as he leaves the Salvatore School. 
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==Personality==
<tabber>
|-|Human=
When introduced, Alaric was a mysterious man who seemed outwardly warm and friendly both with his students, and with strangers. He was quick to give Jeremy a second chance, and immediately started to bond with Jenna. However, this facade showed a darker side, one tinged with guilt and grief. Namely, he carried the burden of the disappearance of his wife and a fierce dedication to discover what had happened to her. He proved to be an intelligent and talented vampire hunter, shown when he killed Logan Fell. However, he was also stubborn and dedicated to finding out what happened to his wife. Namely, he ignored Stefan's warnings to stay away from Damon and attacked him, which led to his first death.
His fixation on Isobel eventually came to pass when he learned of her transformation into a vampire and he managed to let her go, namely after she compelled him to do so, so that he could go along with his life. This allowed him to develop his relationship with Jenna.
Alaric started to warm up to the others and started to form a sort of partnership with Damon as they investigated what happened to Isobel and her connection to John Gilbert. This partnership eventually evolved into a particularly strong friendship, some even considering Damon to be Alaric's best friend, and Alaric as Damon's only friend.
However, after Jenna's death, Alaric was unhinged and started to fall into a state of depression when he was seen drinking away the pain. While he was portrayed as a moderate drinker before the incident, Jenna's death led him to develop a rather severe drinking problem with Meredith Fell calling him a borderline alcoholic. He tried to take care of Elena and Jeremy, but had difficulty living up to the task. This dark part of him was also emphasized due to the many times that he had died and came back to life. It also connected to his suppressed guilt at the way his life had taken and all the pain that had resulted from it which made him fall prey to the darkness within him and turned him into a serial killer.
Alaric's drinking remained a large part of him when he returned from the dead, first as a vampire, then as a human. One of his nicknames was "Professor Bourbon", and Damon, his best friend and drinking buddy, once referred to him as a functioning alcoholic.
|-|The Darkness=
Alaric's many deaths and resurrections brought about by the Gilbert Ring eventually caused him to develop a split personality. Each time he died with the ring on, he'd be met by Esther Mikaelson on the The Other Side, and in the brief period before the ring revived him, she would speak with him and nurture his negative feelings toward vampires and how they had affected his life; turning Isobel and killing Jenna. Alaric began to black out and his darker personality would take over, targeting vampires or vampire sympathizers. This Alaric was vindictive, hateful, and militant in his crusade against vampires and anyone who supporting them, not caring if they were once friends or family. He murdered members of the Founder's Council because he thought they were too weak to truly protect humanity from monsters. 
This side of Alaric even hated his real self, seeing him as weak and hypocritical, befriending vampires rather than slaying them like he should. This alter-ego did care about self preservation, and would take control if he felt his life was in danger, like when he removed his ring and Stefan nearly killed him to draw him out. The darkness in Alaric's hatred of vampires led to him aligning with Esther when she returned to life, both of them wanting to eradicate the vampire species. This led to her transforming him into an Enhanced Original Vampire, which for a time let his darker side have complete, uninterrupted control. 
|-|Enhanced Original Vampire=
After Alaric was turned into an Enhanced Original, his darker aspect took complete control, and although now a vampire, was determined to hunt down the Original family and end the existence of vampires, showing that that was all he cared about by agreeing to be desiccated after he had finished his work. His hatred of vampires and vampire sympathizers was just as potent as it had been during his fits of insanity, outing former friends to the Town Council to be hunted down. He also considered his real personality a disgrace, who had befriended the very things that had ruined his life and also was disgusted by ever having been friends with Damon. 
Since returning from the Other Side, Alaric seemingly retains his original personality, coupled with his vampiric abilities. He was there for Elena as she grieved the loss of Damon and stood by the rest of the gang as Bonnie and Damon pass on. He admits to Elena that he hates every single part of being a vampire. He drinks from blood bags not from the vein, he seems to not be able to control his hunger when he smells blood.
|-|Ghost=
For unknown reasons, Alaric completely reverted to his original personality when he died. When Bonnie dropped the veil to the Other Side, Alaric retained his vampire powers as well as his personality as if his darker personality simply disappeared when he died. It is possible Esther used magic while encouraging his dark side when he would die with the ring, making it so that after he transitioned his dark side would have full control. As it could have been part of Esther's spell, then it makes sense that he regained his true personality upon death, which would break Esther's tampering with his mind.
</tabber>
==Physical Appearance==
Alaric can be described as tall, about 6'2 in height, with an athletic build. A handsome man with short, brown hair that is gelled on the top and has blue eyes. He often wears casual clothing, t-shirts, button downs, jackets, jeans, etc. He's mostly seen wearing dark colors, but occasionally wears brighter ones such as pink or white shirts. He appears between the ages of 34-36.
Following the events of See You On The Other Side, Alaric begins using a stylized cane due to crippling injuries caused a humanity-less Hope Mikaelson that caused his body and brain to have trouble synching up. The doctors commented that he was lucky to even walk.
==Relationships==
===Isobel Flemming===
Isobel Flemming is Elena's birth mother and a descendant of Katherine. She is a vampire who was turned by Damon at her own request, and claims to be a messenger from Katherine. She was married to Alaric Saltzman, the history teacher at the high school, but left him when she became a vampire. She dated John Gilbert, Elena's biological father, in high school. Although Isobel tells Elena not to look for any redeeming qualities in her, she regrets that Elena has been drawn into the supernatural world and that Elena is involved with both Salvatore brothers. Because of her desire to keep Elena from staying involved with the Salvatore brothers, she tells John Gilbert to insure both Stefan and Damon are killed along with the tomb vampires and she agrees with John that this isn't the life they want for their daughter. Before she leaves Mystic Falls, she confronts Alaric, telling him she regrets her decision to become a vampire. Isobel then compels him to move on from her.
She returns in season two allegedly to help protect Elena from Klaus, but she really was compelled by him to kidnap Alaric to use him as a host. In their final conversation, she apologizes for everything she put him through and tells him that she will always love him just before she was forced to let Maddox kidnap him for Klaus. Isobel was also responsible for breaking up Alaric and Jenna as she said to Katherine. It was she who asked John to poison their relationship about the truth surrounding her death. John, who wanted his ring back since Alaric had it, agreed to use this to blackmail Alaric out of his ring. She later commits suicide.
===Lizzie & Josie Saltzman===
The relationship between Alaric's twin daughters, Lizzie and Josie, started when he realized Jo Laughlin was pregnant with them. Shortly after Alaric and Jo's wedding massacre, Valerie Tulle helped Alaric realize that Caroline Forbes was the one actually carrying Alaric and Jo's fetuses, as a surrogate mother. At first, Caroline refuted this to be impossible being she took and failed pregnancy tests, including a failed ultrasound, but Alaric remained optimistic being he was hopeful his twins were still alive. Also, Alaric admitted that Caroline being pregnant was farfetched, but he continued to assist Valerie in trying to uncover the mystery. Valerie eventually lifted the protective cloaking spell (carried out by the Gemini Coven shortly before their demise) and sure enough, Caroline was carrying Alaric's twin daughters. Alaric's fetuses had survived and Alaric was overjoyed. Caroline also accepted responsibility for them as a surrogate mother and as an actual mother. Over the next few years, Alaric raised Josie and Lizzie, along with Caroline. Introducing Lizzie and Josie to their supernatural lives was not easy, but Alaric was determined to assist them, especially with the threat of the sirens and other supernatural forces. As of now, Alaric runs the Salvatore Boarding School, with Caroline, and both of their daughters attend and live together there. 
===Damon Salvatore===
Damon is Alaric's best friend. It started out antagonistic towards each other since Alaric knew that it had been Damon who had killed his wife but it later turned out that she wasn't dead and that she had, in fact, been turned into a vampire by Damon. From that point on, they have been shown as becoming closer as they first worked together to rescue Stefan from the tomb vampires' occupied house, then they often team up to fight the usual threats to the town. Alaric is the only one (other than Elena) to call Damon a friend. They are seen often drinking together; it's often seen that they do taunt each other as well though. Throughout the series, they become like brothers. Towards the end of Season 3, Alaric was turned into an Original Vampire by Esther and fed on Bonnie Bennett to complete his transition and then took the White Oak Stake from Bonnie. Alaric died in Damon's arms in the Season 3 finale, moments after Elena's death causing Damon to break down having lost his first real best friend since he and Stefan became vampires. But when Alaric appears as a ghost we learn that he will always be watching over Damon. In Season 5, Damon sacrifices to save Alaric and the others before the Other Side is completely destroyed. Alaric mourns the loss of his best friend. However, Damon later comes back to life realizing that it was Alaric's doing that made Elena lose her memories of loving Damon. This strained their friendship, but they eventually became close again as they began to ally together to defeat Kai Parker. Both Alaric and Damon lose the love of their lives at Alaric and Jo's wedding. During Season Seven, Bonnie takes both Alaric and Damon on a vacation in Europe to help them get over their lovers' deaths. However, due to Damon wanting to desiccate himself for three years in order to speed up the process of reuniting with Elena and not saying a proper "goodbye" to Alaric, this strains their friendship once again. Also, Alaric's claims of moving on without him hurt Damon as well, but they eventually ally together and somewhat repair their friendship. 
===Jenna Sommers===
Jenna was the love of Alaric's life. They fell for each other and always spent their free time with each other. He felt that her innocence is one of the things that needed to be protected and preserved. As their relationship continued to develop, it later became strained after she discovers that his wife, Isobel, was still alive. She also found out that he is a vampire hunter. They reconcile briefly before Jenna is turned into a vampire by Klaus and killed for his sacrifice. Alaric was devastated by her death, and even went on a drinking binge to cope with the grief and sadness over her death. He then moves in with Elena and Jeremy, and becomes their legal guardian.
===Elena Gilbert===
Alaric started out as Elena's history teacher, but they grew much closer after he started dating Elena's Aunt Jenna. After Jenna's death, Alaric moved in with Elena and Jeremy, and essentially became their legal guardian. Alaric also taught Elena how to defend herself against vampires. After Alaric was turned into an Original Vampire, it was also discovered that Elena's life was bound to Alaric's. When Rebekah drove Elena and Matt off of Wickery Bridge, Elena died- also killing Alaric. However, at the end of Season Five, Alaric comes back to life from The Other Side. After Damon sacrificed himself when The Other Side was collapsing, Elena had Alaric compel her to forget that she ever loved Damon. After Kai put Elena under a sleeping spell, Alaric let her into his thoughts and she told him that he will be stronger if he let the pain in.
===Jeremy Gilbert===
Alaric first met Jeremy when he was a history teacher, but they grew much closer after Jeremy's Aunt Jenna died, and Alaric moved in with them and became their legal guardian. In Season Three, Alaric was turned into an Original Vampire, permanently becoming an enemy since his dark side took over. After Rebekah caused an accident, hurting Matt and killing Elena, Alaric died, since his life was bound to Elena's. The real Alaric showed up as a ghost to Jeremy, and he realizes that Alaric had died. Alaric promised Jeremy that he would always look out for him. Him and Jeremy have remained close after Alaric had come back to life, and Alaric saw Jeremy out of town to let him pursue his hunting.
===Hope Mikaelson===
For the past two years and after Hope's biological father's death, Alaric has become like another father to Hope. Alaric's biological daughters, Lizzie and Josie, are jealous of this relationship, which bothers Alaric; Alaric wishes for the three of them to get along. He often gives Hope advice and tries to look after her. Alaric also tries to mentor, teach, and convinces Hope to step out of her comfort zone from time to time. Alaric is also Hope's headmaster at her boarding school and also her coach in learning how to fight, physically. They share an often-humorous friendship, but they know when to get serious with each other when the time comes. Alaric often trusts Hope to handle supernatural threats that threaten the school, which also establishes a professional relationship between these two.
Alaric temporarily lost his memories of Hope when she was consumed by Malivore. Despite this, he was quick to believe her when she revealed who she was — the daughter of Niklaus Mikaelson — and when his memories returned, the two happily embraced. As the fight with Malivore continued, Alaric opposed her plan to become a fully realized tribrid, but it was ultimately her decision and accepted it. However, following Malivore's destruction and killing Landon, she attacked him, learning she had shut off her humanity and to send a message to her friends. The attack left Alaric comatose but eventually recovered from his coma, with assistance from the Necromancer. Despite the injuries she caused, he still dedicated himself to save Hope and turn her humanity back on. Despite everything, there's no lasting grudge between them.
===Other Relationships===
*Alaric and Jo (Former Fiancée/Former Allies)
*Alaric and Meredith (Ex-Girlfriend/Former Allies)
*Klaus and Alaric (Former Enemies/Allies)
*Elijah and Alaric (Former Allies/Enemies)
*Alaric and Caroline (Ex-Fiancée/Close Friends/Allies/Co-Workers/Co-Parents)
*Damon, Elena and Alaric (Best Friends/Allies)
*Bonnie and Alaric (Good Friends/Former Allies/Former Enemies)
*Stefan, Caroline and Alaric (Former Love Triangle/Friends/Former Allies)
*Alaric and Stefan (Friends/Frenemies/Former Allies)
*Alaric and Tyler (Friends/Former Allies)
*Alaric and Kai (Family/Enemies)
*Alaric and Enzo (Former Allies)
*Alaric and Matt (Friends/Allies)
*Alaric and Dorian (Close Friends/Co-Workers/Allies)
*Alaric and Emma (Friends/Co-Workers/Allies/Kissed)
*Alaric and the Salvatore Boarding School Students (Headmaster-Students Relationship/Allies)
==Tools and Weapons==
As a proficient vampire hunter, Alaric used many weapons and tools to aid in his one man war. These weapons were kept in his apartment, car, and even at the school; always close-by and ready for use. He would often loan his vampire slaying weapons to his friends and allies when they were in need of them. As a form of protection against supernatural creatures, Isobel Flemming gift to Alaric a magic ring of resurrection.
*Stakes - Alaric would primarily use stakes in combat, taking an element of surprise approach in his battles against deadly vampires like Logan Fell and Damon Salvatore.
*Stake Launcher - Alaric used an air propelled stake launcher that he'd keep nearby at the school. When he first met Stefan, he tried to kill him with the help of this weapon.
*Arm Cuff Stake - A hidden device under his sleeve which would allow you to either draw the stake from seemingly nowhere or if you punched an opponent with enough force, launch it forward. He taught Elena how to use this weapon effectively.
*White Oak Stake - Once he had been turned into an Original vampire by Esther, who wanted him to hunt down the Originals, he used the white oak stake along with his new powers to try and make all vampires extinct.
*Vervain Darts
*Vervain Grenades
*Wolfsbane Grenades
*Gilbert Ring - Alaric always wore the Gilbert Ring that his wife Isobel had given to him. (Isobel obtained it from John Gilbert) It allowed him to be resurrected after being killed by a supernatural creature or by supernatural means, a very handy trinket for someone hunting vampires, though it did end up having some negative effects. Alaric's Gilbert Ring was used to melt and bind its protective magic to the last White Oak Stake, making it indestructible, and the ring is now no more.
==Appearances==
===The Vampire Diaries===
===The Originals===
The Originals Season Four
*Voodoo in My Blood
*The Feast of All Sinners
The Originals Season Five
*Where You Left Your Heart (Mentioned)
*One Wrong Turn On Bourbon (Mentioned)
*Don't It Just Break Your Heart (Mentioned)
*The Tale of Two Wolves
===Legacies===
==Episode Absence==
Season Two
*In Season Two, Alaric doesn't appear in one episode:
**What Cupid Problem?
Season Four
*In Season Four, Alaric doesn't appear in two episodes:
**Someplace Far Away From All This Violence
**Follow the Sound of My Voice
==Name==
*Alaric Gothic name meaning "ruler of all". Was the name of the king of the Visigoths who sacked Rome in 410 and might have precipitate the fall of Rome.https://www.behindthename.com/name/alaric
*Saltzman is an Ashkenazic Jewish occupational name for a producer or seller of salt, from German Salz "salt" + Mann "man". Altered spelling of German Salzmannhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzmannhttps://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=saltzman
==Trivia==
*In the books his name was Alaric K. Saltzman. The middle initial is changed to a "J" in the series and can be seen on his tombstone.
*In the books Alaric was much younger and was a researcher instead of a vampire hunter. He also had a relationship with Meredith Sulez and was never married or met Elena's aunt. In the series Alaric meets Meredith Fell and starts a relationship with her a while after Elena's aunt Jenna dies.
*His bank account password is "Vampslayer".
*He has most deaths in the series.
==Gallery==
==References==
==See also==
fr:Alaric Saltzman
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