Sandboy 2.0

2

Authors note: AHHHHHHTHE PART WHERE IT FINALLY GETS GOOOOD! You're not prepared. Teehee!

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Marinette's POV:

Tikki is gone somewhere in my room. She's actually quite the introverted thing, always needing a little "me time". I feel bad, but I have to start looking for her. I have to go on patrol soon. To be completely honest I'm a little excited – I want to stop by the Agreste mansion again. Sometimes I can swear Adrien's there looking at me. I know it's just hopeful wishing. I just like the idea that he's somewhere nearby. Once the idea is in my head I can't stop. I have to go see him.

I look out my balcony to see if she's out there, but instead, I see a familiar boy floating on a cloud "The Sandboy just checked in, now nightmares can begin!"

"No. This can't be happening again." I hurry back into my room and look harder. I need to transform NOW. 

Chat Noir is probably asleep by now, UGH that dumb cat. I could really use some help with this one!

So much has happened since the last time Sandboy appeared. 

Since then, he happened.

I stop.

Blood rushes to my ears and I drop.

"He's gone now, Marinette. He can't hurt me." I tell myself.

Sometimes I have nightmares of him.

Not sometimes.

All the time.

Sometimes when I look in the mirror I see myself in that eroded state again and watch myself turn to dust.

He won't show up again.

I'm safe now.

I can't stop shaking.

I cradle my legs, trying to take deep breaths.

I don't know if I could fix it this time.

I don't know if I'm strong enough.

I know what's coming, and I know I have to look for Tikki,

but I'm just so scared.

Carefully, I get back up and look out my balcony.

He's over the Agreste Mansion.

I hope Adrien is ok.

I watch the dust sprinkle over the estate.

Wait.

Adrien?

Is that my name? 

Crap, what's my name?

Where am I?

And who is that kid floating on a cloud? How did he get up there?

Is that how clouds work?

I watch as he comes closer.

Good, maybe I can ask him what's going on.

Or also stranger danger.

Meh, he's a kid it'll be fine.

"HEY KID, OVER HERE"

He looks over at me but it does not seem very friendly.

"The Sandboy just checked in, now nightmares can begin!"

Huh, kind of a banger, will not lie.

Wait, what even is a banger?

I kind of feel hopeless right now.

And now some malicious kid who doesn't understand atmospheric science is coming right at me.

I run back into my room but it's too late. I'm covered in... sand?

I hear swift movements behind me, cautiously quiet.

I almost wouldn't believe someone else was in here.

"Marinette..." a voice says and a shiver is sent down my spine.

Fear.

All I can remember is fear.

I'm frozen, I fear fat globs of tears roll down my cheeks.

I turn around slowly.

"Sweet Marinette, don't you remember me?"

"I remember you" I whisper. My breath is erratic. I can't get a grip.

He walks towards me and I step back into a corner.

A portal opens on the other side of the room.

What is this life I live?

A blonde boy stands out, if I knew any better, I'd say he looks like the boy before me.

He looks at me in utter confusion. I feel sympathetic. It seems like I should be glad he's here like I should remember, but I don't.

And he looks so sad about it.

"It was our love that did this to the world."

My heart breaks. Why did those words sting so bad. I almost can see someone else in him.

Yes, a boy in a black catsuit, with bright green eyes.

"I didn't love you. You aren't him."

"M'Lady, I'm not convinced you know who he is." He says coldly, dejected.

"Ladybug?" I hear the normal boy say behind him.

"The black cat. I can see him in you. I remember him."

The blonde boy has yet to do anything. Honestly, he looks too confused to process movement.

"What's going on, who are you?"

The white cat turns around, an evil smile plastered on his face.

"Maybe Ladybug was right, you really are a dumb cat."

He frowns as he looks at him with cold blue eyes.

"I'm you."