STORAGE | MEMORIES
Titles with a ♠ imply Nigel Colbie, Alex's ex-roommate. Titles with a ☆ imply either Josh Campbell (in the background), Alex's best friend, or Susan, Alex's love interest are part of the memory. Titles with a ♦ involve Sally Rowe, the psychiatrist assigned to help Alex, is involved. Titles with a ★ imply Alex's father and/or mother. If you need visuals, youtube has Like Minds up but it's in ten parts and for my laziness, I won't be linking certain parts with times, so on and so forth. ALSO AS A WARNING? These memories can get awkward.
Canon
Midnight Ride ☆ TAKEN
It's one of the best nights of his life before things go to hell. The scene's a train, speeding by without a care in the world for both its passengers and everything around it. One of the windows open and there's a redhead, glancing around. Alex is sticking his head out, screaming his head off but it's not from terror. There's a rush of blood to the head at the exhilaration and looking ahead, it looks as if there's a pole coming up. Alex doesn't withdraw himself, he's got the biggest grin at the sight of it and it's as if he goes to challenge it head on. Closer and closer it gets and finally the redhead withdraws just as the train passes the structure; it's so close that he can hear it brush past his face. Inside, he's keeps that smile, looks to two other kids. The memory ends as they go down the aisle.
First Meeting ☆ ♠
"I just saw them put an extra bed in it." The stranger who's just spoken it is looking at Alex with a shrug, despite the look of disbelief that the other has. He takes a glance around. Alex is in the cafeteria, but now he's getting up, raising his hand: "Can I be excused? I have to go to the bathroom." A look of skepticism from one of the superiors but just like that he's down the hallway, heading to his room instead. There's a bag there and a second bed and to it, Alex makes a face. Crouching down, he opens the suitcase and looks inside. There's all sorts of weird things - but the most noticeable one is the stuffed animal, fangs bared and, and... "Do you mind?" Alex turns around to find Nigel and he's glaring at him, standing away from the bag. The two stare each other down and Alex moves to the doorway, brushes past him. "Don't get too comfortable."
Taxidermy ♠
It's a brief time; Alex is returning to his room. Opening the door, he catches sight of a gruesome scene; Nigel is hunched over the desk and it'd be fine if his stuff wasn't thrown all over it. There are notebooks and jars of animals being preserved, even a bag of urine is hanging above from the looks of it. Marching over, Alex hovers over him, looks disgusted but more provoked than anything else. In front of Nigel is a bird face up, chest cut open. Pulling out one of the organs, Alex is pressing him with questions: "Where'd you get it? What are you-" Unable to take it, he turns to the window open it and takes a breath. Shaking his head, Alex marches away from the other, most likely to the bathroom.
In Your Head ♠
Alex is standing up, surrounded by hundreds of other students as they sing. His mouth isn't moving but the redhead is staring off into the distance, looking troubled by something, pained almost. Eyes ahead, he sees someone turn slightly: it's Nigel. When he notices the other trying to catch his eye, Alex panics almost, looks elsewhere and forces the sudden lump down his throat. He's worried, by everyone else continues to sing their alma mater.
Defiance ☆
It's a classroom and there's nothing wrong with that, right? Alex is sitting nearby Josh and Raj, Josh has this machine that's designed for pranks but it's hidden carefully under a pile of books. Watching, Josh starts it up, goes for the guy in front of him. He jolts up because a few watts of electric energy is more than enough to get him. The father turns to ask what's wrong but the student brushes it off, and the lecture continues. He goes on to talk about religious exploits, people who were punished in the name of it. Alex speaks up, the father replies in turn and two exchange an argument - it gets heated and its apparent that he's getting to the teacher. It ends with an explosive 'get out of my classroom' and Alex relents, packs his things and walks out without a word.
Josh ☆
There's three of them on the train - Nigel, Josh, and Alex. The tallest is holding Colbie by the collar, pushing his head out the side door so he can feel the rush. He screams at him over the rush as Josh stands around the aisle, lighting small fireworks. The train's nearly empty so the noise doesn't bother much. Nigel moves to get away but Alex shoves at him and this is the first sign of trouble; Josh misjudges an explosive when the car jerks, causing him to step back and stumble. Alex gets dislodged from Nigel in the process, only able to watch as Josh falls out of the car. Staring, there are no words as Nigel reaches out a hand - whether it was to push Josh down quicker or to help him up, it's too late to tell. The next pole slams into Josh's body, and he disappears from sight.
Susan ☆
It's a simple opening. Most likely a church, considering the pews and stain-glassed windows. Alex is sitting in one of the rows, an arm casually drawn against the back as he stares to the front. In a daze, his eyes are towards the girl in the middle, dressed in costume, cross hanging from her neck. There's a hint of a smile on his face as she speaks and he only continues to watch. It's soothing almost, until a voice brushes against his ear: "I'm really sorry about your friend." Muttering a 'fuck off' in return, Alex rolls his eyes at Nigel and keeps his gaze forward. "You don't have to worry, it's all been planned." Going on, Alex doesn't turn to look at him, just continues to be smitten; he doesn't see the other get up and leave, and Susan's voice just has him entranced. The memory ends.
Jack and Spade ♠
Someone's deluded. It's dim and the only light source is a lamp on the desk but Alex is sitting there, oddly calm as Nigel talks to him. He offers him a book, points at something and makes him read it. "Unprincipled man. Rogue. That’s what you are, Alex." Looking up at the definition, he frowns and deals skepticism. Nigel makes him turn the pages. Nigel hands him a card, continues speaking about 'Jacks' and 'Spades' and things that don't quite click to Alex. Nigel smiles when he looks up, makes eye contact. "We've been brought together for a reason, don't you feel it?" Alex doesn't answer.
Your Maraclea ☆ ♠ reference pic
Alex and Nigel are walking along a brick path. It transitions to a bridge and the latter won't stop talking, a smile stretched across his face as he informs Alex about legends, tales related to the Knights Templar. He moves onto the tale of Maraclea - the love between a knight and a woman who cherished him dearly. He went off to war and she waited, but she died before he came back. A voice called to him when he returned, told him things, deluded him. Out of his love for her, the knight dug up her grave, made love to her body and left without a word. Nine months later, he returned to the site, took her skull and crossed her thigh bones. With the skull, he was invincible, powerful enough to win all his battles until the day he died. Alex doesn't quite get the meaning of the story, but it makes sense when they arrive at their destination. A door opens, a drawer slides out, and Susan's body is on the slab. "She's all yours," Nigel says with a smile. Alex stares.
Shotguns ♠ TAKEN
Alex is outside a house when this happens. Inside there's screaming but not much of it can be made out - despite this, Alex is moving to find a way in and that he does. Just in time to hear a shotgun blast, he walks in to find Nigel, covered in blood and Nigel's mother in the bed, slumped over. His dad is less than ecstatic, mourning over the unintentional murder but Alex is confused. He steps back when he hears Nigel's voice: "Jack, you're here." He steps forward but Alex is quick - he picks the shotgun up and points it at the other, warning him not to come closer. Confused and not wanting to lose another loved on, Mr. Colbie jumps into the fray, tries to wrestle the weapon away from Alex. The second shot happens and Alex is staring, mortified, confused. Nigel just walks past him, pats him on the shoulder. "Come on, we've got a lot of work to do."
You're fucked ♠
It's Nigel and Alex again. They're outside and it's nighttime. The pair stand in front of a barrel, a fire lit up and burning brightly. In a box in his hands, Nigel is holding something carefully. He throws it into the fire and from Alex can see, they're guts, organs taken from his parents most likely, considering how messed up in the head the other is. A breath in and he mutters something under his breath about Nigel's mother more specifically, stares at the sparks. A shrug from Nigel: "Well as long as they don't find them in nine months then we're fine." Maraclea? But who? The only woman Nigel would ever touch is his moth-- no. Horror strikes Alex and he stares, steps back with a shake of his head. 'You didn't' is the reply and Nigel looks at him as if the answer is obvious. Alex then retorts with the only two words he's been able to say confidently to the other - "You're fucked." With it, Alex turns heel and walks off, ignoring whatever Nigel is shouting at his back, how it's destiny and how they will be united.
Fuck Them Up ♦
The room's white and flashing for a few moments before it comes into focus. Alex is holding what looks to be an eskrima stick and he's pointing it to the other guards, eyes lowered and expression clam. He's jumping with the movements of the guards - the one on the left and the one on the right. "You're gonna let me leave-- just, okay?" The weapon's being pointed but soon it explodes into an assault; Alex lands a few decent hits on one of them before the other pins him down. His hands get pulled behind his back and despite his protests, he's being restrained with a plastic tie. Just then, Sally appears and pushes the guards away from him, stares at them appalled. Alex pulls himself up against the wall, glares up at her and tries to catch his breath.
The Need to Help ♦ TAKEN
Alex: If it wasn’t for me messing with Nigel’s head, then both Susan and Josh would still be alive.
Sally: Don’t you think you’ll get some kind of redemption for taking the blame for Nigel’s dea-
Alex: What makes you think I want any kind of redemption?
He's sitting at the table when this happens - Ms. Sally Rowe is sitting across, looking at him as if he's said something far more insulting. A glance to her and he turns his head to the side, shakes his head. He mutters something but instead Sally leans forward, brows furrowed as if this is a last-ditch effort attempt to get through to him. "I did not kill him." Alex shrug her off, moves to stand up and walk to the other side of the room. Sally frowns. "I can't help you if you won't let me. Tell me what happened." It cuts.
Eternity ♠
This one will be familiar for those of you who were witnesses during a dreamcast. Alex is marching down beside the train tracks, hands in his pockets and expression troubled. Rain is falling and he doesn't pay it much mind aside from the screaming at his back. Come back Jack, turn around Jack. Nigel reaches him and points the shotgun in his direction. Shouting as Alex forces himself onto the tracks, in the way of the oncoming train. Nigel motions for him to come back but he's being egged on, the anger on Alex's face apparent. "Do it!" He screams and Nigel moves to pull him off as the vehicle arrives; they grapple with one another for control. The shotgun is taken, the tables are flipped and Alex is pointing it at the other, expression strained. The voices are distorted, but there's shouting as Nigel reaches up for the trigger; Alex turns to panic. "Pray for yourself. We're one now." Bang.
Headcanon
What's wrong? ★
"Where's mom?" A much smaller Alex is standing in the doorway, eyes wide and confusion apparent. His father is pacing back and forth but has stopped at the voice of his son, unable to find words. Shaking his head, his dad shrugs off his child, moves to the window and keeps quiet. Alex tries to step into the room but his father snaps, shouts something unintelligible - it sends his son from the room, running.
The School ☆
Meeting Josh, Raj, and Susan indirectly. Alex is walking through, hands in his pockets and expression unamused as he passes others. There's a guy with glasses looking at him, talking with a taller friend and the two seem to notice Alex. He brushes it off with a shrug - he's the headmaster's son, so why not get the attention? He's tired of it, used to it. He passes a girl though, turns a little as he walks by because she's a bit lovely when he looks; he ducks his head the other way when she turns to look in his direction, and he hurries his pace with a red tint on his cheeks.
Best for You ★
And dad says he wants what's best for Alex, but he knows that's all just crap. They're arguing, Alex is in his teens, looking a little disheveled as if he's just been in a fight. Pointing fingers, the two are practically at each other's throats. It ends with Alex kicking his dad's desk, leaving while his father yells at his back.
Canon
Midnight Ride ☆ TAKEN
It's one of the best nights of his life before things go to hell. The scene's a train, speeding by without a care in the world for both its passengers and everything around it. One of the windows open and there's a redhead, glancing around. Alex is sticking his head out, screaming his head off but it's not from terror. There's a rush of blood to the head at the exhilaration and looking ahead, it looks as if there's a pole coming up. Alex doesn't withdraw himself, he's got the biggest grin at the sight of it and it's as if he goes to challenge it head on. Closer and closer it gets and finally the redhead withdraws just as the train passes the structure; it's so close that he can hear it brush past his face. Inside, he's keeps that smile, looks to two other kids. The memory ends as they go down the aisle.
First Meeting ☆ ♠
"I just saw them put an extra bed in it." The stranger who's just spoken it is looking at Alex with a shrug, despite the look of disbelief that the other has. He takes a glance around. Alex is in the cafeteria, but now he's getting up, raising his hand: "Can I be excused? I have to go to the bathroom." A look of skepticism from one of the superiors but just like that he's down the hallway, heading to his room instead. There's a bag there and a second bed and to it, Alex makes a face. Crouching down, he opens the suitcase and looks inside. There's all sorts of weird things - but the most noticeable one is the stuffed animal, fangs bared and, and... "Do you mind?" Alex turns around to find Nigel and he's glaring at him, standing away from the bag. The two stare each other down and Alex moves to the doorway, brushes past him. "Don't get too comfortable."
Taxidermy ♠
It's a brief time; Alex is returning to his room. Opening the door, he catches sight of a gruesome scene; Nigel is hunched over the desk and it'd be fine if his stuff wasn't thrown all over it. There are notebooks and jars of animals being preserved, even a bag of urine is hanging above from the looks of it. Marching over, Alex hovers over him, looks disgusted but more provoked than anything else. In front of Nigel is a bird face up, chest cut open. Pulling out one of the organs, Alex is pressing him with questions: "Where'd you get it? What are you-" Unable to take it, he turns to the window open it and takes a breath. Shaking his head, Alex marches away from the other, most likely to the bathroom.
In Your Head ♠
Alex is standing up, surrounded by hundreds of other students as they sing. His mouth isn't moving but the redhead is staring off into the distance, looking troubled by something, pained almost. Eyes ahead, he sees someone turn slightly: it's Nigel. When he notices the other trying to catch his eye, Alex panics almost, looks elsewhere and forces the sudden lump down his throat. He's worried, by everyone else continues to sing their alma mater.
Defiance ☆
It's a classroom and there's nothing wrong with that, right? Alex is sitting nearby Josh and Raj, Josh has this machine that's designed for pranks but it's hidden carefully under a pile of books. Watching, Josh starts it up, goes for the guy in front of him. He jolts up because a few watts of electric energy is more than enough to get him. The father turns to ask what's wrong but the student brushes it off, and the lecture continues. He goes on to talk about religious exploits, people who were punished in the name of it. Alex speaks up, the father replies in turn and two exchange an argument - it gets heated and its apparent that he's getting to the teacher. It ends with an explosive 'get out of my classroom' and Alex relents, packs his things and walks out without a word.
Josh ☆
There's three of them on the train - Nigel, Josh, and Alex. The tallest is holding Colbie by the collar, pushing his head out the side door so he can feel the rush. He screams at him over the rush as Josh stands around the aisle, lighting small fireworks. The train's nearly empty so the noise doesn't bother much. Nigel moves to get away but Alex shoves at him and this is the first sign of trouble; Josh misjudges an explosive when the car jerks, causing him to step back and stumble. Alex gets dislodged from Nigel in the process, only able to watch as Josh falls out of the car. Staring, there are no words as Nigel reaches out a hand - whether it was to push Josh down quicker or to help him up, it's too late to tell. The next pole slams into Josh's body, and he disappears from sight.
Susan ☆
It's a simple opening. Most likely a church, considering the pews and stain-glassed windows. Alex is sitting in one of the rows, an arm casually drawn against the back as he stares to the front. In a daze, his eyes are towards the girl in the middle, dressed in costume, cross hanging from her neck. There's a hint of a smile on his face as she speaks and he only continues to watch. It's soothing almost, until a voice brushes against his ear: "I'm really sorry about your friend." Muttering a 'fuck off' in return, Alex rolls his eyes at Nigel and keeps his gaze forward. "You don't have to worry, it's all been planned." Going on, Alex doesn't turn to look at him, just continues to be smitten; he doesn't see the other get up and leave, and Susan's voice just has him entranced. The memory ends.
Jack and Spade ♠
Someone's deluded. It's dim and the only light source is a lamp on the desk but Alex is sitting there, oddly calm as Nigel talks to him. He offers him a book, points at something and makes him read it. "Unprincipled man. Rogue. That’s what you are, Alex." Looking up at the definition, he frowns and deals skepticism. Nigel makes him turn the pages. Nigel hands him a card, continues speaking about 'Jacks' and 'Spades' and things that don't quite click to Alex. Nigel smiles when he looks up, makes eye contact. "We've been brought together for a reason, don't you feel it?" Alex doesn't answer.
Your Maraclea ☆ ♠ reference pic
Alex and Nigel are walking along a brick path. It transitions to a bridge and the latter won't stop talking, a smile stretched across his face as he informs Alex about legends, tales related to the Knights Templar. He moves onto the tale of Maraclea - the love between a knight and a woman who cherished him dearly. He went off to war and she waited, but she died before he came back. A voice called to him when he returned, told him things, deluded him. Out of his love for her, the knight dug up her grave, made love to her body and left without a word. Nine months later, he returned to the site, took her skull and crossed her thigh bones. With the skull, he was invincible, powerful enough to win all his battles until the day he died. Alex doesn't quite get the meaning of the story, but it makes sense when they arrive at their destination. A door opens, a drawer slides out, and Susan's body is on the slab. "She's all yours," Nigel says with a smile. Alex stares.
Shotguns ♠ TAKEN
Alex is outside a house when this happens. Inside there's screaming but not much of it can be made out - despite this, Alex is moving to find a way in and that he does. Just in time to hear a shotgun blast, he walks in to find Nigel, covered in blood and Nigel's mother in the bed, slumped over. His dad is less than ecstatic, mourning over the unintentional murder but Alex is confused. He steps back when he hears Nigel's voice: "Jack, you're here." He steps forward but Alex is quick - he picks the shotgun up and points it at the other, warning him not to come closer. Confused and not wanting to lose another loved on, Mr. Colbie jumps into the fray, tries to wrestle the weapon away from Alex. The second shot happens and Alex is staring, mortified, confused. Nigel just walks past him, pats him on the shoulder. "Come on, we've got a lot of work to do."
You're fucked ♠
It's Nigel and Alex again. They're outside and it's nighttime. The pair stand in front of a barrel, a fire lit up and burning brightly. In a box in his hands, Nigel is holding something carefully. He throws it into the fire and from Alex can see, they're guts, organs taken from his parents most likely, considering how messed up in the head the other is. A breath in and he mutters something under his breath about Nigel's mother more specifically, stares at the sparks. A shrug from Nigel: "Well as long as they don't find them in nine months then we're fine." Maraclea? But who? The only woman Nigel would ever touch is his moth-- no. Horror strikes Alex and he stares, steps back with a shake of his head. 'You didn't' is the reply and Nigel looks at him as if the answer is obvious. Alex then retorts with the only two words he's been able to say confidently to the other - "You're fucked." With it, Alex turns heel and walks off, ignoring whatever Nigel is shouting at his back, how it's destiny and how they will be united.
Fuck Them Up ♦
The room's white and flashing for a few moments before it comes into focus. Alex is holding what looks to be an eskrima stick and he's pointing it to the other guards, eyes lowered and expression clam. He's jumping with the movements of the guards - the one on the left and the one on the right. "You're gonna let me leave-- just, okay?" The weapon's being pointed but soon it explodes into an assault; Alex lands a few decent hits on one of them before the other pins him down. His hands get pulled behind his back and despite his protests, he's being restrained with a plastic tie. Just then, Sally appears and pushes the guards away from him, stares at them appalled. Alex pulls himself up against the wall, glares up at her and tries to catch his breath.
The Need to Help ♦ TAKEN
Alex: If it wasn’t for me messing with Nigel’s head, then both Susan and Josh would still be alive.
Sally: Don’t you think you’ll get some kind of redemption for taking the blame for Nigel’s dea-
Alex: What makes you think I want any kind of redemption?
He's sitting at the table when this happens - Ms. Sally Rowe is sitting across, looking at him as if he's said something far more insulting. A glance to her and he turns his head to the side, shakes his head. He mutters something but instead Sally leans forward, brows furrowed as if this is a last-ditch effort attempt to get through to him. "I did not kill him." Alex shrug her off, moves to stand up and walk to the other side of the room. Sally frowns. "I can't help you if you won't let me. Tell me what happened." It cuts.
Eternity ♠
This one will be familiar for those of you who were witnesses during a dreamcast. Alex is marching down beside the train tracks, hands in his pockets and expression troubled. Rain is falling and he doesn't pay it much mind aside from the screaming at his back. Come back Jack, turn around Jack. Nigel reaches him and points the shotgun in his direction. Shouting as Alex forces himself onto the tracks, in the way of the oncoming train. Nigel motions for him to come back but he's being egged on, the anger on Alex's face apparent. "Do it!" He screams and Nigel moves to pull him off as the vehicle arrives; they grapple with one another for control. The shotgun is taken, the tables are flipped and Alex is pointing it at the other, expression strained. The voices are distorted, but there's shouting as Nigel reaches up for the trigger; Alex turns to panic. "Pray for yourself. We're one now." Bang.
Headcanon
What's wrong? ★
"Where's mom?" A much smaller Alex is standing in the doorway, eyes wide and confusion apparent. His father is pacing back and forth but has stopped at the voice of his son, unable to find words. Shaking his head, his dad shrugs off his child, moves to the window and keeps quiet. Alex tries to step into the room but his father snaps, shouts something unintelligible - it sends his son from the room, running.
The School ☆
Meeting Josh, Raj, and Susan indirectly. Alex is walking through, hands in his pockets and expression unamused as he passes others. There's a guy with glasses looking at him, talking with a taller friend and the two seem to notice Alex. He brushes it off with a shrug - he's the headmaster's son, so why not get the attention? He's tired of it, used to it. He passes a girl though, turns a little as he walks by because she's a bit lovely when he looks; he ducks his head the other way when she turns to look in his direction, and he hurries his pace with a red tint on his cheeks.
Best for You ★
And dad says he wants what's best for Alex, but he knows that's all just crap. They're arguing, Alex is in his teens, looking a little disheveled as if he's just been in a fight. Pointing fingers, the two are practically at each other's throats. It ends with Alex kicking his dad's desk, leaving while his father yells at his back.