Side chapter: After days  

In the therapy room at St. Mary's Medical Center, Claire and Kyle sat with Dr. Rodriguez, their therapist. The hospital's sterile walls did little to ease the vivid memories that haunted them.

Dr. Rodriguez began gently, his voice a calm anchor in the midst of their turmoil. "So, how have things been since our last session? Kyle, Claire, are the nightmares still persistent?"

Kyle hesitated, his gaze drifting to Claire before meeting the therapist's eyes. "Doc, they're... they're still there," he admitted with a heavy sigh. "I can't shake the images from that day, what they did to everyone..."

Claire squeezed Kyle's hand tighter, her own voice wavering slightly. "I see their faces too," she added softly. "What they did... it's like it's replaying in my mind over and over."

Dr. Rodriguez leaned forward attentively, his demeanor warm yet professional. "It's important to talk about these feelings," he encouraged, his tone steady. "Facing them is the first step in processing what you've been through. You're not alone in this."

Kyle nodded, his shoulders tense with the weight of his emotions. "Doc, I just... I need to move past this," he confessed, his voice cracking slightly. "The anger, the guilt... it's overwhelming. I feel like I could have done more, should have done more..."

Before Kyle could continue, Dr. Rodriguez interjected gently, his insight honed from years of guiding trauma survivors. "You're feeling anger at yourself for not being able to save everyone, and guilt for what happened," he summarized, his tone empathetic. "These are common responses to trauma."

Kyle looked relieved yet surprised. "Yeah, that's exactly it," he admitted, somewhat amazed that the therapist understood his turmoil so well. "How did you know?"

Dr. Rodriguez smiled kindly. "Survivor's guilt is a natural reaction," he explained patiently, addressing both Kyle and Claire. "But blaming yourselves won't change the past. Healing begins with accepting what happened and finding ways to move forward."

Claire nodded solemnly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I know," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... so hard."

Kyle squeezed her hand in silent support, sharing a look of understanding with Claire. "We'll get through this together," he assured her, his voice filled with determination.

Dr. Rodriguez nodded approvingly, sensing their resilience despite their pain. "You're strong, both of you," he affirmed. "In time, with continued therapy and support, you'll find peace."

Kyle and Claire exchanged a glance, finding comfort in each other's presence amidst the emotional storm. With Dr. Rodriguez guiding them, they knew they were taking steps toward healing, one session at a time.

...

[Hours passed by]

The atmosphere in St. Mary's Medical Center was heavy with the weight of trauma and loss. Kenia Perrin stood outside Daniel Mullins' room, listening to his tormented murmurs about his girlfriend, Lauren. His voice cracked with despair as he repeated her name over and over, unable to escape the haunting memories of what had transpired.

"Lauren died... Lauren died... Lauren died..." Daniel's words echoed through the corridor, a stark reminder of the horrors they had all faced together.

Kyle, Claire, and Kenia stood outside Daniel Mullins' room, their hearts heavy with empathy for their friend. Daniel's tormented murmurs about his girlfriend, Lauren, echoed through the corridor, a stark reminder of the deep pain he was experiencing.

"It's all my fault... If only I had started the engine faster, if only I had gotten us out of there sooner," Kyle choked on his words, his voice thick with regret and self-blame. "Lauren wouldn't have died..."

Claire reached out, squeezing Kyle's hand in reassurance. "Kyle, it's not your fault," she murmured softly, her voice filled with empathy. "We were all in that situation together. None of us could have predicted..."

Kenia nodded in agreement, her eyes shifting back to Daniel's room where his murmurs continued, a stark reminder of the fragile state they all found themselves in. "Porter was right," she whispered, more to herself than to Kyle and Claire. "Things are not the same anymore."

As they stood there, a nurse approached them, her demeanor kind yet composed. "Are you friends of Daniel Mullins?" she asked gently, her voice carrying concern.

Kenia nodded quietly. "Yes, we're his friends," she replied, her tone filled with worry. "How is he doing?"

The nurse sighed softly, her expression conveying sympathy. "He's struggling," she admitted. "The loss of his girlfriend has hit him hard. He's receiving counseling, and we're closely monitoring his condition."

Kyle spoke up, his voice heavy with emotion. "Is there anything we can do for him?" he asked earnestly, desperate to help his friend in any way possible.

The nurse offered a warm smile. "Just being there for him means a lot," she assured them. "Your support and understanding can make a significant difference. Would you like to visit him? Sometimes having familiar faces around can be comforting."

Kenia nodded gratefully. "Yes, we would," she replied softly. "We'll visit him."

With a nod, the nurse continued down the corridor, leaving Kyle, Claire, and Kenia standing together with their thoughts. Kenia turned to Kyle and Claire, her heart heavy with sorrow for all they had been through. "Let's go see Daniel," she suggested gently. "Being there with him might help."

Kyle nodded firmly, his resolve strengthening. "Yeah, you're right," he agreed, giving Claire's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's go."

Together, they walked toward Daniel's room, ready to offer their friend the support and comfort he desperately needed during this challenging time.

...

Adam Wilson and Porter Harmss trained rigorously in their apartment's dedicated training room, preparing themselves for the inevitable confrontation with Alpha and his disfigured minions. The sound of punches and grunts echoed within the confined space as Adam demonstrated his formidable abilities.

Adam's fist connected with Porter's chest, causing him to stagger back, gasping for breath.

 "Augh!" Porter winced, feeling the impact.

Adam sighed heavily, concern etching his features. "At this rate, you won't be ready to come with me," he remarked, his voice laced with determination. "We only have two months left to prepare before we face Alpha again."

Porter nodded, trying to catch his breath. "I know, I know," he replied between breaths, his mind racing with the urgency of their upcoming battle.

Reflecting on their training, Porter couldn't help but recall the awe he felt when Adam first revealed his extraordinary abilities.

"When you first told me about your abilities, I thought you were some kind of god or death reaper," Porter confessed, still amazed by Adam's powers.

Adam, shaking his head. "You're exaggerating," he replied modestly, though his powers were undeniably exceptional.

Porter persisted, "Still, having powers like that... it's not something a normal person has."

Porter shook his head, recalling the discussions they had about Alpha's unique regeneration abilities.

Then Porter pointed out. "You mentioned Alpha has regeneration abilities. How do we even beat someone like that?"

Adam's expression turned grave as he explained, "Yes, Alpha can regenerate, but he's not invincible. We have to push him to the point where he can't regenerate anymore. That's our goal."

Porter nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Adam's words. "And you... you have other abilities too, right? Like that shield that appeared when I tried to strike you with a katana. It shattered instantly."

Adam nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Those are just some of the abilities that come with being a 'revival man,' as you put it."

Porter couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. "I'm envious of you, Adam. Having those powers..."

Adam raised an eyebrow, he expected this kinda statement. "But you know it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's more of a curse than a blessing. Living through death over and over again..."

Porter nodded grimly. "I understand, Adam... But.... you know It's ..crucial for our fight against Alpha and those disfigured minions.

Adam smirked slightly. "So, you're jealous of my powers, yet you know the consequences," he pointed out Porter words.

Porter chuckled nervously. "Well, it's just... your abilities could tip the scales in our favor," he admitted, acknowledging the strategic advantage Adam's powers provided.

Adam considered Porter's words before offering a reassuring smile. "I can offer you some protection with my abilities, Porter," he said earnestly. "I'll do everything I can to keep you safe."

Porter's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You can do that?"

Adam nodded confidently. "Really. But enough talk. Let's get back to training," he said firmly, refocusing their attention on the task at hand.

Porter laughed lightly. "You're right. No more distractions," he agreed, feeling a renewed determination to match Adam's resolve.

Together, they resumed their rigorous training session, the bond between them strengthened by their shared mission

....

[Alpha side]

Alpha lounged in his room, sipping blood from his glass like it was fine wine, He was deeply engrossed in reading books when the door creaked open, revealing Maynard Odets, the father of the notorious trio of cannibals: Three Finger, One Eye, and Saw Tooth.

Alpha regarded Maynard with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, taking another sip before speaking. "What business do you have with me, Maynard?" His voice was tinged with a chilling calmness that contrasted sharply with the crimson liquid he savored.

Maynard hesitated, clearly intimidated by Alpha's presence and the aura of menace that surrounded him. "Please... can you stop my children from killing and... and eating?" His voice quivered with a mix of fear and desperation. "I want them to have... a normal life."

Alpha's smirk widened as he set down his goblet and leisurely approached Maynard, his gaze piercing towards Maynard eyes. "Your children—Three Finger, One Eye, Saw Tooth—are the strongest cannibals I've ever encountered," he mused aloud. "Do you truly believe I would give up such valuable assets for your sake?"

Maynard swallowed hard, his fear palpable as Alpha's intense red eyes bore into his own eyes.

 "Answer me, Maynard," Alpha demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you think I should stop?"

Maynard shook his head slowly, unable to meet Alpha's gaze directly. "N-no, sir," he stammered. "You can... continue using my children as you wish."

Alpha's smirk turned into a satisfied grin. "That's what I thought," he said, his voice dripping with authority. "You also agree with me, correct?"

Maynard nodded meekly, feeling a strange mix of relief and resignation. "Yes, sir," he muttered.

"You know, Maynard, I respect you," Alpha began, surprising Maynard with an unexpected note of sincerity in his voice.

Maynard, unsure how to respond to this from the infamous Alpha, he cautiously asked, "Really?"

Alpha nodded slowly, his gaze piercing Maynard with intensity. "Yes, you remind me of my father," Alpha continued, his tone carrying a strange mix of nostalgia and reverence. "A man who would do anything for his children."

Maynard absorbed Alpha's words, feeling a mixture of discomfort and a strange sense of validation.

With that, Alpha reclaimed his seat like a monarch on his throne, staring down at Maynard with an air of dominance. Leaving no doubt about who held power in their conversation

" Therefore," Alpha stated firmly, settling into his chair with an air of command, "you need to follow my orders—for the sake of your children. Understand?"

Maynard gulped, his throat dry with the weight of his acquiescence. "Yes... Sir," he managed to reply quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with resignation and fear.

"Good," Alpha said dismissively, his interest in Maynard waning. "Now leave. You've interrupted my free time."

Maynard hurriedly retreated from Alpha's presence, visibly relieved to escape the dangerous situation. As he departed, Alpha's thoughts drifted to Adam Wilson, his most intriguing adversary.

Alpha sighed deeply, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "Adam... I can't wait to meet you again," he murmured to himself, his voice filled with anticipation and an unsettling sense of thrill. "Every time we cross paths, I feel excitement, thrills and pure ecstasy!" His breath caught in his throat as he imagined their inevitable showdown. "Hurry up and find me, Adam," he whispered eagerly.

The End of After Days