I don't own the picture used.

After Sarah left, Cesar stayed in his hospital bed while thinking about his friend, Mark. He should've never opened that door after hearing his mother screaming in the kitchen. If he did, then maybe Mark wouldn't have been placed in danger. He could only imagine what those vile alternates are doing to his friend and who knows how many others. He needed to find him and save him from those alternates...no matter what he has to do to help his friend.

At the same time, Mark started to ignore the fake Cesar who continued to taunt him for getting lead into a trap. He knew that there was a high chance that the real Cesar is dead considering that an alternate has taken his form. However, he had more pressing matters to attend to than grieving his loss...like what they wanted him to do after turning him into one of them. It's clear that they were the "lucky" ones who managed to avoid getting killed by the alternates despite the numerous reports of them killing their victims. 

He also had to avoid remembering his family who probably think that he's dead. Not like he could blame them considering the bloody aftermath following his attempt. Though it also begs the question if the other two were "saved" also or taken away. Just then, he heard a groan as the boy managed to wake up.

"Ow. It feels like I got hit by a truck." He moaned as he sat up. He wasn't aware of anything different until the fake Cesar turned their attention towards the young boy.

Oh goodie! The apprentice has finally managed to open his eyes. 

"Apprentice? He's just a kid..." I started to say before fake Cesar started to laugh. It didn't help unravel the situation that they were all in and just served to irritate Mark.

Silly Mark! This boy is the key to finally taking over this dirt hole, but he would need some help.

Mark didn't know what they meant by help, but he knew that he wouldn't like the answer. However the kid finally turned his attention to the fake Cesar who still smiled wide.

"Um...Who and what are you?" The kid said.

Well apprentice, I'm one of your helpers...well, one of your future helpers. You still need to learn the ins and outs of being an alternate along with Mark and Jonah.

"Alternate? I never heard of...." The kid started to say much to the shock of Mark. The kid didn't know what alternates were? He thought that everyone knew about them yet it seems like it wasn't exactly the case. However, his shock was replaced by anger once the alternate Cesar spoke once again.

Of course you don't know since one of our allies took control of the TV waves. We kept our existence a secret except for a single town that we liked to use as our main hunting ground. However, after using the same grounds for decades....it has become less fun.

"You terrorized my town, killed lots of innocent people and tricked people for fun?" Mark yelled. The kid looked shocked at what Mark said, but that didn't stop the alternate from pressing his buttons for a good laugh.

Of course. We loved to see all of those people beg and plead for help while no one came. Not like I blame them considering how pathetic and weak humans are...especially you, Mark. I can remember how you cried, begged, pleaded and prayed for help only for your supposed saviors to abandon you to your fate. 

"Why you..." Mark began before the fake Cesar interrupted him by laughing. After a couple of seconds, they stopped and started to head out of the door.

Looks like our Master has summoned us for a meeting. Till we meet again, Mark.

The fake Cesar said before the second alternate followed behind them and left the trio alone. However that didn't mean that they felt safe after the alternates left. They felt scared and were worried about the pain and heartache that would be in store for them. 

Never knowing that what they would experience would change them in more ways than they ever thought.

Meanwhile, the group of sisters sat far away from the rest of the family in a restaurant. They were still looking, but felt like they couldn't concentrate without something to eat and drink.

"Well, today has been hectic." Lana said.

"In more ways than one. I can't believe that our parents did that to Leni." Luna said.

"It just goes to show that they aren't the positive role models that we always thought. However that begs the question...What else have they done and hidden away from us?" Luan said.

"Who knows? But we may have to consider...cutting ties with them." Leni said. When Leni said that, the rest of the group looked at her with a surprised expression on their faces. Cut ties with them? 

"A..Are you serious?" Lola asked.

"Look, I know that they are our parents.. but look at how dysfunctional our family is. If they were really parents then we would've never done horrible things that cause trouble for us and others around us. Not to mention, how they decided to do multiple things that would cause actual parents to cringe and think about how we were raised." Leni said.

"I guess that makes sense. However...we still have something important to do." Luan said. The rest knew what she meant and got ready to see fireworks coming their way after telling their Pop Pop everything that has happened including the secret that they kept away from everyone. 

Though, it would also give them more insight into what their brother has gone through thanks to their past actions.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter....Bye 👋