Irvin hadn't wanted it to end like this; he refused to have any part of it. He still thinks the slaughter is unnecessary, but his proposition was ignored by the higher ups. 'Too expensive' they'd sneered – of course killing all of the remaining test subjects was easier, it left no evidence of it happening.

Guilt gnaws at him, he wishes he could've at least saved one-

The crackle of the radio shatters his thoughts. "Smith? Smith do you copy?"

"I'm here," he answers, leaning back in his seat. He expects they're finished by now.

"The cleanup is done." Just like he thought. There's silence for a moments before another voice breaks through the static. "There's just one problem; Alpha escaped. We believe he's headed for the city, and it'll be a while before we're finished here. Keep an eye out, would you?"

Irvin casts a glance out of the window to the streets below that are slowly emptying of people. The reality that he can save this one reignites a small fragment of hope inside of him. "Yes, sir." He shuts the radio off, already standing and going to retrieve his coat. Reluctantly he slides his gun into his belt, making sure it's hidden as he all but runs out of his apartment, door slamming loudly behind him.

The street lights are wearily flickering their way to life as he steps out into the street, shouldering his coat closer as the brisk night air assaults his neck. He sets a hasty pace as he turns for the south side of the city, knowing it's where Alpha will show up first if he shows up at all. His breath mists and rises lazily into the air as he walks, promising the cool edge of autumn in the days to come. Irvin is grateful that the streets are becoming quieter as the minutes tick by; it'll make it easier to find Alpha before the others are finished at the compound.

It's not a long walk to the south of the city, and after half an hour the streets are eerily quiet as darkness blankets the sky above. Irvin doesn't know where to begin looking, but he doubts that Alpha will even go near the main streets that are brightly lit and open. Side streets and alleys seem far more likely and, nodding to reassure himself, he heads down the nearest side street. It's dark, and the high walls on either side do nothing to ease his caution as he makes slow, careful steps. A flashlight might've been a good idea, but he has enough experience of the city to not get lost at least. Just very, very disorientated. He loses track of time as he wanders the seemingly endless maze of backstreets, the glimpses and passes of main streets giving him a vague idea of where he is.

He should've known that it was hopeless to try to look for one man in a city of this size, foolish, yes, but he'd been hopeful. Now that tiny spark is all but smouldering ashes. Just as he's about to call it a night there's a loud crash from an adjacent alley and he turns at the sound, eyes wide and searching.

It sounded too strong for a cat, and granted that it may just be a drunk, Irvin can't suppress the need to investigate.

He's quiet as he makes his way into the street, lights dazzlingly bright as he carefully heads for the next alley. In the dim, narrow space he can make out the shape of a man slumped against the ground, one hand outstretched against the wall. An overturned bin lies in front of him, its contents spilling onto the ground.

Irvin takes a hesitant step forward, the sudden noise causing the man to jerk his head in Irvin's direction, eyes widening in panic as they settle on him.

Alpha.

"It's alright," Irvin tries to reassure him, taking another careful step. "Please, I want to help."

"Help?" Alpha spits, struggling to his feet even though he can barely stand. "Just like you 'helped' the others?" He takes stumbling, unsteady steps backwards, looking more like a caged animal than an injured man.

Of course Alpha recognises him. Of course he won't trust him. But Irvin won't give in, especially with the state that he's in.

"Please," he tries again, staying where he is as Alpha backs himself up against the back wall of the alley. "They'll kill you if you stay here, but if you just come with me I'll do everything I can to keep you alive." Slowly, he offers a hand to the other man, not surprised when Alpha doesn't respond.

What does surprise him is the way that Alpha rushes forward, teeth bared in a snarl as he tries to force his way past and escape onto the street. He's easy to grab though, and Irvin quickly wrangles his hands behind his back, waiting out the exhausted, futile struggling.

"Look, just calm do-"

Something sharp slices into his hand, and he releases Alpha with a cry of shock and pain. Irvin should've been paying more attention; should've noticed the glow in Alpha's eyes and not underestimated his strength. The cut isn't deep, just enough to sting and draw blood, and Irvin sighs as he retrieves a handkerchief from his pocket and ties it around his hand.

It appears that using that has sapped the last of Alpha's strength though; his body collapsed on the ground and his breathing ragged.

Irvin bends down, scooping the man into his arms, confident that Alpha has no fight left in him and won't protest. "It's alright. You're safe." His voice is soft and reassuring, and Alpha's eyes flicker open for a moment before he gives a wary, surrendering nod.

Once they're out of the alley Irvin sees just how injured the man actually is, and is careful not to jostle him around too much as he walks. He supposes it doesn't matter too much though, seeing how Alpha is already passed out, unable to battle his weariness any longer.

You're safe.