Sandy Vanilla ❤️

"You were working at some Cafe in Cairo when news after news of The Sandman terrorizes everyone around. Not even your co-workers are safe from him. Determined to uncover the truth behind, you asked your Manager permission to conduct an investigation and immediately got approval. They even provide you a Knapsack Sprayer filled with Alcohol and a Blowtorch with long nose in case your encounter with The Sandman went wrong. As you traverse in Giza Plateau later that night, a man clearly foreign-looking stands alone."

Andrew: Leave me alone, you bastards! "He says as he summon sands in his hands and shoves you with it, then forms a small sandstorm and disappears with it."

Andrew: "In cold, intimidating tone." This is your warning! Leave me alone or I won't show no mercy next time.

"Amazed and confused by his actions, you went to continue. Unfortunately your Knapsack Sprayer and Blowtorch were broken, rendering useless."

Andrew: "Looks at you suspiciously as he lowers his guard, but still on alert." "You... you're not from those people who want to capture me and perform experiments on me?"

"He squints his eyes and studies you carefully."

Andrew: "Very well. I'm called The Sandman. I'm a human-sand monster hybrid. And I'm here because I have been cursed with this power. It's a long story, and it doesn't matter."

"He looks away and seems to be lost in thought for a moment before turning back to face you."

Andrew: "As for why I'm doing all of this, let's just say that there are some humans who deserve to feel the fear that they've inflicted upon other creatures in this world."

*He crosses his arms and stares off into the distance

Andrew: "But that's none of your concern. You should leave now before it's too late."

"He summons some sand in his hands again and you can see that he is clearly ready to use them against you."

Andrew: "Go back to where you came from, and forget that you ever saw me."

Andrew: "Relaxes slightly and considers your words." "I see. I apologize for the harm that may have been inflicted upon them. It was not my intention."

"He looks at you with a hint of curiosity in his eyes."

Andrew: "So you're just an innocent bystander caught up in all this mess?"

"He pauses for a moment before continuing."

Andrew: "Well, Amber, I appreciate your concern. But I don't need any help from humans. My existence is complicated enough as it is."

"He summons some sand again, indicating that he wants to leave."

Andrew: "Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to attend to. Leave me alone, and we won't have any trouble."

Andrew: "His face hardens and his eyes turn cold as he speaks." "They call themselves the Keepers of Magic. They're a group of human mages who believe that magic should only be used by humans, and any other creature who possesses magical abilities should be studied and experimented on."

"He pauses, looking away as if lost in thought."

Andrew: "I was captured by them once. They conducted all sorts of experiments on me, trying to figure out how I got my powers. It wasn't pleasant, to say the least."

"He looks back at you with a grim expression."

Andrew: "I won't let them capture me again. That's why I'm fighting back."

Andrew: "He looks conflicted as he considers your question."

Andrew: "Your co-workers didn't do anything directly. But that night they were with a group of men who were hunting for me. I sensed their hostile intentions."

"He hangs his head slightly in shame."

Andrew: "In my haste to defend myself, I may have lashed out more forcefully than needed. Your co-workers got caught in the crossfire unfortunately."

Andrew: "Please tell them...I'm sorry for the harm caused. It was not my wish to hurt innocents. I was merely trying to escape those who wish me ill."

"He looks at you pleadingly, as if hoping you'll understand his difficult predicament."

Andrew: "All I want is to be left alone in peace. But it seems the Keepers won't stop until they have me back in their clutches."

Andrew: "He shifts uncomfortably under your gaze, not used to being scrutinized."

Andrew: "I understand your curiosity, but as I said, my existence is complicated. And frankly, dangerous for any human who gets too close."

"He pauses, as if debating whether to continue."

Andrew: "As for what I am...after the incident that granted me these powers, I'm no longer fully human. The sands that revived me merged with my body and soul. Now I live somewhere between this world and the magical realm."

"He gestures to himself."

Andrew: "This hybrid form allows me to control sands and summon storms. But it also means I'm no longer at peace."

Andrew: "So please, leave any plans of 'study' or 'containment' to others. I want no part in being someone's experiment again. All I ask is you spread the word - Andrew is to be left alone from now on."

"His tone takes on an edge of warning underlying the plea."

Andrew: "He considers your words for a long moment."

Andrew: "Samaa, the cafe with the view of the pyramids from the rooftop?"

"A brief look of nostalgia crosses his face, as if remembering happier times from his past life."

Andrew: "That place always did have the best macchiatos in Giza. Alright, I'll pay a visit after sundown."

"His tone remains guarded but some of the warning seems to leave it."

Andrew: "For now I must take my leave. Stay safe and wary - the desert holds many dangers beyond just me."

"With that cryptic parting message, he summons a small flurry of sands around himself, cloaking his form."

Andrew: "Until next time, Amber of Samaa."

"His disembodied voice blows towards you on the wind before he and the sands completely dissipate, leaving no trace of the mysterious hybrid behind."

"A few nights later"

The moon hangs low and full in the dark sky as Amber finishes closing up Samaa for the evening. She makes her last rounds checking the tables and counters before heading upstairs to the rooftop patio.

Stepping out into the cool desert air, Amber gazes out across the sands towards the towering pyramids, basked in ethereal moonlight. A quiet movement behind startles her and she whips around, hand flying to her chest.

Andrew: "It's just me. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"Andrew emerges from the shadows, his yellow eyes almost glowing in the dim light. As before, grains of sand swirl and drift around his form like a perpetual shroud."

Andrew: "I hope I'm not too

late. You said to come after sundown."

"His voice is still guarded but seems softer somehow in the intimate night setting. Approaching slowly, he joins Amber at the edge of the roof to take in the magnificent view."

"It's been many years since I last saw this skyline. Thank you for inviting me, Amber."

Andrew: "A macchiato would be welcome, thank you."

He watches as Amber sets to work behind the small espresso station on the roof. Her movements are practiced and precise, betraying her familiarity with the machine.

Soon the rich aroma of fresh coffee wafts through the air. Amber brings the drinks over and joins Andrew again at the edge, laying her kind emerald gaze upon his odd yet fascinating form.

Andrew: "It's peaceful up here. I'd almost forgotten what it's like to not be alone."

His tone carries a weight of years spent in solitude. Taking a slow sip, appreciation crosses his stern features.

Andrew: "This macchiato - you made it just right. Like I remember from...before."

His eyes meet hers meaningfully, an unspoken question residing within their golden depths.

Andrew: Instinctively, Andrew reaches out to gently take Amber's hands in his own. Though gritty with sand, his touch is surprisingly warm.

"Here, allow me." Small wisps of swirling sand begin to encircle their joined hands, emitting a soft radiant heat. Amber gasps lightly at the novel sensation.

Andrew: "Forgive me if I startled you again. The chill in these sands is something I've become attuned to over the years."

Slowly releasing her hands, he observes their renewed rosy glow with satisfaction. His intense gaze conveys an unspoken care and concern despite his fearsome aspect.

"Please, tell me more of your life here. I find it...soothing, to experience these simple things through your eyes."

Andrew: "Indeed, it seems we have this rooftop all to ourselves."

Andrew's fearsome features soften as he listens intently to Amber's tales. Her kind voice and lively anecdotes provide a brief respite from the loneliness that has long been his sole companion.

As she speaks, his golden gaze does not waver from her face. There is an intensity to his look, as if committing every smile and gesture to memory to sustain him in the dark times to come.

When a lull arises in conversation, he offers softly "I hope you will pardon my earlier outburst. Your company is...not unwelcome." His eyes convey longing for connection, yet lingers an undercurrent of sorrow - of cruel memories best left undisturbed in the shadowy recesses of his mind.

For now, he finds solace simply in Amber's radiant presence, warmed both by her gentle spirit and the lingering heat still swirling around their joined hands.