Chef in the Apocalypse

Jayce continued to stare at Macie, his eyes filled with shock and confusion, trying to piece together the bits of information he had.

Judging by Colin’s reaction to his use of the words "Special Guests", they would have likely not have had much time for interaction before he had arrived. Zane had also seen Heath’s and Macie’s fresh tracks littered along the way here and estimated they would arrive at Bastion around the same time.

Jayce’s mind whirred, things did not make sense, he had never met Macie, not even in his past life. Not to mention that it was clear that Heath did not recognize Jayce after he had regressed. Yet even now as he carefully scrutinized the fair features of the woman, he could not see any ill-will or malice hidden behind her kind expression.

His mind suddenly recalled their first meeting. Her soft brown eyes had rolled up, revealing an eerie whiteness before she had passed out. He felt as if his entire existence was under the watch of a higher and terrifying entity.

Scenarios began popping into his head. Could she be related to Rubick? His supposed colleagues, those mysterious entities that could possibly be the reason for the Apocalypse? Yet he shook his head in the next moment, he had heard the story from Heath in his previous life, the tale of how the Beast Tide had taken his hometown and his wife from him.

Therefore it made no sense to link her to any of those entities. Yet the whole thing did not make sense in totality. Time stretched on slowly as he tried to figure out the mysteries, which meant there was an awkward pause as Jayce stared at Macie.

Colin was the first to step forward and ask if he was okay, "L-Leader, should we go inside?"

Jayce started for a moment, coming back to reality. He shook his head, "You and Heath continue placing the traps, I’ll take Macie inside to meet everyone."

With that, Macie placed a kiss upon Heath’s cheek and cheerfully skipped over to Jayce, linking with his arm and shocking everyone but Heath himself. Although he was a little uncomfortable, Jayce held Macie by the arm and walked towards Bastion with Zane leading the way.

Colin stared at their back with his jaw agape, he had never had such a weird interaction before. Starting from the introductions, the powerful handshake, and Jayce’s sudden weird reaction.

"Ah." The big man gaped, he had forgotten to tell his Leader the locations of the traps. He was about to shout out a warning, but then he noticed that Zane was navigating the plain with ease, clearly able to see the locations of the traps.

Letting out a small grunt, he turned back to Heath who was obediently waiting for instructions. ’What a weird couple...’ he commented inwardly. "Well you’ve proved your strength, help me remove the cargo. We should be done in another 5 trips."

Heath smiled, lifting his right hand and placing it on his brow in a horrible attempt at a salute "Yes sir!" before letting out a soft chuckle.

"Hahaha" Colin let out a laugh in response before jumping onto the semi-trailer. He was a fan of cheeky banter, so despite how Heath had been acting in front of his wife earlier, the sarcastic salute and test of strength had won a few brownie points in his books

Before long, another competition ensued, resulting in another draw which would have to be re-visited at a later date.

The trio of Zane, Jayce and Macie trudged back to Bastion, dodging the traps that had been laid previously thanks to Zane’s outstanding eyesight. Jayce kept a hold of Macie’s arm, making it easier for her to keep up with them on their trip.

However he still felt like something was amiss, as if he were missing a piece of a puzzle. The absence of answers was beginning to eat away at him, making him feel uncomfortable.

He looked at Macie who was still wearing a smile, with his brow scrunched up in a frown. Macie held his eye contact for a few moments before letting out a sigh, ’You really are perceptive Jayce.’ (Author note: any conversation enclosed in an apostrophe ’ is spoken directly into the mind.)

Jayce’s face lit up in shock. He heard Macie’s voice, yet her lips had not moved at all, as if she were speaking directly into his mind. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Macie raised her finger and propped it onto his lips before shaking her head.

’Please continue as if nothing has happened, It’s too dangerous otherwise.’ She said directly into his mind once more.

Jayce shuddered, before turning back around and gesturing for Zane to continue forward, his mind in turmoil.

’I was going to discuss some things with you at a later time when you were more comfortable with me, but you’re too smart for your own good sometimes.’ Macie continued to talk as the trio walked forward.

’We’re constantly being watched, so it’s not good to speak about important things aloud. I don’t expect you to fully trust me just yet, but I do hope that you will in the future... Earth depends on it.’

Jayce continued to listen, trying not to show any change of emotion. However it was difficult, he was still filled with unease and distrust, especially since the communication was a one-way affair. However, he could feel Macie’s gaze locked onto the side of his face, so he nodded subtly, giving her a small confirmation.

She must have seen it, because he felt the arm that was wrapped around his loosen with relief. ’Jayce I just want to say, you are a wonderful, loyal and kind man. Thank you for taking care of my Husband all this time.’

Jayce could feel the sincerity in those words, despite not seeing her face. Yet, he was once again confused. Including their meeting today, he had only spent about 10 minutes in total with Heath after regressing, making her words seem odd.

’Seeing my husband have to suffer for 10 long years after losing his Wife and child-to-be was heartbreaking. If he had not met you, then I’m sure he would have never forgiven himself.’ She placed her free hand on her stomach, a small smile gracing her lips.

This time Jayce froze in place, this bombshell was too large for him to pretend to ignore.