A Web of Lies, A Rainbow Six Story

Part 3: An Old Friend

Marco's POV

Alibi leads me to a door, with what looks like a squid engraved on it. She unlocks the door, steps inside, and turns with a smile to face me:

Alibi: "Well? Get your ass in here!"

I follow her into the dorm, and look around. It's bigger than I thought it would be. Alibi watches me with a sly smile, her golden eyes gleaming:

Alibi: "So. What do you think? I'm your new room mate!"

Marco: "Mi piace." (I like it.)

Her smile widens as I set my bags down next to the couch.

Marco: "What?"

Alibi just shakes her head, and looks away:

Alibi: "Nothing."

Marco: "Okaaaay. Well, if you don't mind, I'm going to grab a shower before dinner."

Alibi: "Go ahead."

I grab some clean clothes out of my bag, and head into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I start the shower running, and carefully take off my necklace, laying it gently on the counter before hopping in the shower. I let the stream of hot water run over me, washing away all the events of last night. I try to keep my heart rate low, and my mind in a peaceful place. Despite my efforts to stay stable, I can feel the rising darkness inside me, looming over me like a storm of insanity, ready to swallow my mind. I run my hands through my hair, washing out blood that is no longer there. I can still feel the hot splash of it splattering across me, and it feels like my skin is on fire. I clench my hand tightly, fighting for control. I will not succumb to this madness again. After a few minutes, my breathing evens out. I turn off the shower and step out into the now eerily silent bathroom. I grip the counter with my hands, so forcefully that the edge cuts into my palms. I relish the pain, allowing it to bring me back to reality. I look up and wipe away some of the fog on the mirror. I'm met with the image of someone I no longer recognize, a madman with stormy eyes, lit from within by the ever-burning fire of madness. A glint of light catches my eye, and I glance down to find my necklace sitting next to my hand. I gently scoop it up, and flick open the locket. I gaze at the picture inside, warmth spreading through me from within. I close the locket again, and carefully put the necklace back on, hanging her picture over my heart, right where she belongs. I pull on my jeans, grab my shirt, and step out of the bathroom into the cool air of the room outside. I'm met with a blushing Alibi, staring at me for a second before she quickly averts her gaze. I smile, pulling my shirt over my head, and grabbing a hoodie from my bag, before turning back to her:

Marco: "So? You going to show me the Mess Hall, or do I have force someone to draw me a map?"

Alibi laughs, and strides past me:

Alibi: "Come on. Let's get some food."

I smile, and follow her through the unfamiliar halls, admiring the effortless grace with which she moves. Like a fucking cat. Alibi leads me through a series of turns, and I map them out in my head, mentally making a blueprint of the base. Soon enough, I can smell the delicious scent of food up ahead, and we emerge into a massive room, full of tables, people, and food. A few of the operators gathered there turn their heads to stare at the unfamiliar face in their ranks, but most of them either don't notice my presence, or just don't care. Good. I make a beeline for the tables loaded with food, and fill my plate with bacon, potatoes, bacon, and more bacon. I sit at the only empty table in the room, and start eating, content to enjoy my meal alone. The way I always do. I hear a pair of boots approaching me, and out of pure instinctive reflex, my grip tightens on my knife. A hand enters my vision, and I look up to see its owner smiling down at me. I smile, and stand up, pulling my old friend into a rough hug: