Alex Garcia
There was nothing. Nothing but Alex, and a sense of dread. A smell. Metallic... Pennies? Blood. He spun, but could see nothing, nothing but darkness, not even his hand. It was quiet, he could practically hear his heart beating. Something else. The wind? Whispering? Crying? Who was crying? He touched his face. Is it me? Lightning flashed, and he saw a glimpse of a cross, taller than him. Taller than anything. Then nothing but dread. Dread. Dread. Dread. Dread. Dread. Dread. Dead.
Alex's eyes shot open, and he felt the cold sweat coating his face and chest, soaking his shirt and giving him a chill. He groped in the dark to find his glasses, so he could read the clock. 3 AM. Wonderful. He laid back into bed, willing the dream from his mind. He tossed and turned for a while, and eventually fell back into a deep, dreamless sleep. His alarm went off at 6, just like every morning, and just like every other morning, he started his day. He donned his glasses, pulled on his running shorts and changed his shirt before slogging down the stairs, yawns punctuating his movements. He went straight for the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water and quickly finishing it, then pouring another to sip on as he made- and ate- his breakfast. After breakfast, it was back upstairs to brush his teeth, put in his contacts, and put on his running shoes. He took his time, there was no use in rushing. Before he left the house, Alex packed his fanny pack with the various things he foresaw needing; keys, cash, protection talismans, pocket knife, chalk, gum, eyeliner pencil, his phone, and a pen. One can never be too prepared.
Alex and his grandmother didn't live far from town, the walk only took a few minutes. The route of Alex's morning runs was less direct, and typically took him about 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on his pace and the weather. He loved mornings, while the world was still shaking itself from sleep. It was peaceful, and gave him time to collect his thoughts. He took a few minutes to stretch, and was on his way. Alex didn't listen to music while he ran, he liked to be able to hear if someone was approaching. He also liked the sounds of nature, and being up before most people were off to work made that easier. He didn't typically encounter too many people on his runs, not that he would stop and chat if he did, but a smile and a quick wave were a typical greeting.
Today's run wasn't record-breaking by any means, it was nice and easy, but it was a good run. Alex stopped in front of Phoenix's cafe, though he'd already been several times, today was a launch party of sorts and Alex wanted to support his friend.
He entered the building, and walked to the counter, digging through his pack as he waited for Phoenix to have a spare moment, he didn't want to interrupt. When Phoenix had a moment, Alex smiled, almost as if to assure his friend, "You did it. Abuela's really proud of you, by the way. I think she's planning on stopping by later today." He paused for a moment, "Also, I have something for you. Don't make a big deal out of it, it's nothing big." He held out a small adder stone, tied to a length of suspiciously red cord, "To help keep negative energies at bay."
He turned to Jaiden, wishing for a moment that he looked a bit more put-together, but still offered the most charming smile he could muster, and said, "Good morning." It was more so he didn't feel like he was ignoring her, but he continued, "You look good," he paused, quickly looking at her more closely, "cool jacket." He winked, more lighthearted than anything, and took a seat of his own.