NEUROCRISIS

Chapter 5: A Reason.

As the woman's voice pierced through the air, Syazwan turned to face her. Met with piercing eyes that seemed to scrutinize his very essence. She stood before him, a commanding figure, her presence exuding confidence and authority. Syazwan gathered his composure, standing tall as he addressed her.

"And who are you supposed to be? The old man with the pretty machete," she remarked with a mix of annoyance and a touch of admiration.

Just then, Kai called out to her, and she turned her attention to him. "Reze!" Kai exclaimed, relief evident in his voice. "This is Syazwan, the one I told you about. He made it here."

Reze's gaze shifted from Kai to Syazwan, curiosity dancing in her eyes. She stepped forward, her presence commanding and formidable. "Syazwan, you say?" she inquired, her voice commanded with a hint of intrigue. "Welcome to our sanctuary, I am Reze."

Syazwan's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, even though he had expected the woman he encountered to hold such a significant role within the community because of the air that surrounds her; one much alike to a commander. He took a moment to process the information before extending his hand in a respectful gesture, leaning it against his shoulder. "It's an honor to meet you, Reze," he replied, his voice conveying appreciation and respect.

Reze studied Syazwan for a moment, her piercing gaze penetrating his very core. "We'll see if you're more than an old man with a pretty machete," she declared, her voice firm but tinged with a trace of respect. "Come, we have work to do. Kai, gather everyone. We need to reinforce the defenses and discuss our next approach."

As Kai nodded in agreement, Reze turned her attention back to Syazwan. "You'll have the opportunity to prove yourself, and you better not fumble it," she stated, her tone a mixture of challenge and encouragement. "Contribute to the community, show us your value, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find your place here."

Syazwan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation and the need to earn his place within the sanctuary, but there was something more that drove him, an unyielding loyalty and love for his fiancé that  has been fueling his resolve. With conviction in his voice, Syazwan responded, his words laced with determination. "I'm not looking for my own place here," he stated firmly. "Because of this world right now, I'm searching for a safe haven for my fiancé. If I can prove my worth to this community, if I can contribute and help you all, then I ask that you reserve a spot for her as well. If not us, then only her."

Reze's eyes slightly widened, her initial skepticism giving way to a glimmer of admiration. She would've never expected such selflessness and unwavering dedication for someone in these trying times. While she remained far from completely won over, a flicker of respect ignited within her.

"Even in the face of the world's end, all he desires is a home for his fiance?" Her impression of him had shifted. Though only slightly, it had undeniably changed.

"Everyone, um, get ready to work! The walls on the South and West, they're nearly, almost done, so, hehe, we'll have to focus on those two," Kai stammered, his voice filled with nervousness and a hint of self-doubt. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, his eyes darting briefly to Syazwan and a tall, fierce looking man, before continuing in a slightly shaky voice, "I, uh, actually thought maybe Syazwan and Azri could, um, accompany me on the scavenging mission tonight. You see, our supplies are, you know, running reallyyy low, and we, uh, can't really afford to make any mistakes."

As Kai revealed his choice of members, the air in the crowd seemed to thicken with uncertainty and curiosity. Some exchanged puzzled glances, clearly questioning his ability to make decisions.

"Why are we entrusting this kid with control?  I get Azri, but the new guy? With such an important task at hand, too? Aren't there any police officers or someone more qualified to handle things?" The whispers of doubt rippled through the crowd, reaching Kai's ears and adding to his growing self-doubt.