Chapter 1: Love of a father and son

Cesar wasn't entirely the same after encountering the alternate that had killed his mother, he nearly escaped with his life. He had lost his home, his mother, and his left arm, all he had was himself and the new home Mark had helped him get. He had slowly started to forget what happened all those years ago, a memory that vaguely formed in his mind when he had nothing else to think about. Today was a day where the memory had become clear and he decided that to clear his head, he'd take a walk, despite being a bit paranoid of being attacked by an alternate again. It was late in the afternoon, a lovely orange-red sunset peeked through the trees and houses, and the gentle breeze lovingly caressed Cesar's hair and face. It was nice enough to make Cesar let his guard down and just think back to simpler, more calm times in his life, like when he first met Mark. He chuckled to himself at how much of a crybaby Mark used to be and how tough of a man he became, then a frightened scream broke the tranquil aura around Cesar, fear set in but that didn't stop Cesar from searching for who made the horrifying sound. He stood facing the back of a dark alternate looming over a child, memories of his encounter with an alternate flood into his mind and he is overcome with rage instead of fear. Without so much of a care, he yells and punches the back of the alternate as hard as he can, he knows that this won't work against a creature such as this but he has nothing more than his fists and his wits. The creature now faces Cesar, with murderous intent etched into its dark features it takes a step forward, it feels like Cesar is reliving that day. He stares up at the creature, he is not afraid, he tells himself he is not afraid, Cesar turns his attention to the child cowering in fear and smiles trying to reassure him that it will be alright. Cesar tries his best to not seem afraid of the alternate and it seems like it works working as the alternate seems to be losing interest in him. Soon the alternate gets tired of staring down at Cesar and leaves, Cesar rushes over to the young boy, kneeling to be at his level. "Are you alright?" He asks gently, resting a hand on his shoulder. The boy is on the verge of tears but pushing him away, standing up. "I didn't need your help…I could've gotten rid of that thing by myself…" The boy frowns. "It would have injured you or killed you if I hadn't helped." Cesar stood as well looking down at the boy, he couldn't have been any older than ten years old. "Hey kid, where are your parents?" Cesar asked, cocking his head to the side. "My mom died when I was four and my dad was killed by an alternate when I was eight…" The boy explains shoving his hands and looking down at the pavement. "Have you been all alone since…?" Cesar knew how that felt to lose the ones you love and have virtually nothing left. "Yeah though I got put in some stupid foster home…I ran away though…" The boy glances up at Cesar. "Well, what's your name?" Cesar asks. "Adam, Adam Murray," Adam replied flatly. "Nice to meet you Adam my name is Cesar Torres." Cesar smiles softly. Adam returns the smile with a slight glare. "How about you come with me?" Cesar offers. Adam continues to glare but his expression softens and he reaches his hand out to Cesar's, Cesar gladly takes it. "I'll take that as a yes."