PRINCESS ANARCHY | DSMP

09. Do I Know You?

   SO MUCH HAS GONE WRONG.

   Nia has been gone for three years, okay? Three years.

   Sure, it's quite a long span of time for many things to happen. Lord knows how much shit can happen in a single year, like, the recent events being its proof.

   But still, Nia would've thought the SMP to be the one that stays peaceful.

   Dream promoted peace and friendliness. How much must Tommy have annoyed him to entirely transform his views? How much did the following events affect him as well?

   Nia walks along the Prime Path mindlessly, trying to think of something better to occupy her mind with.

   She only notices fifteen minutes later that she's reached an enormous castle, entering it subconsciously.

   Not that much has changed, besides the flamingos running throughout the entire castle. and the huge golden throne in the middle of what used to be the hall room.

   The castle is empty and quiet. Nia is certain that if she were to speak up, her voice would carry through the corridors with an ominous echo.

   "Do I know you?" asks a deep voice that Nia instantly recognizes, turning around to face Eret.

   They're wearing a pink gown with a black corset, a fluffy red cape lining their back. A golden crown sits on his head, too, one that looks very close to Technoblade's - or more precisely - her father's.

   "Um, yes." Nia looks at Eret's eyes, mostly gazing on her reflection in his black sunglasses that cover their white eyes. "It's me, Eret - Nia."

   "Who?" Eret raises an eyebrow at her, cocking his head to the side. "I don't remember anyone named Nia."

   "Queenie?"

   "Who's that?"

   "Me."

   "Oh."

   "I- Eret, we've met three years ago. Here, in the SMP. You took me in, knowing that I needed the help, and I've been grateful to you for that since."

   Eret scratches the back of his neck, a deep chuckle leaving his lips.

   "I think I would've remembered that, if it were true."

   "But it is?" says Nia, questioning him.

   "It can't be. I joined the SMP only a few months ago."

   "What are you talking about? No you didn't? You've lived here for years!"

   Nia throws her hands in the air, exasperated. Did Eret already forget her? How? Everyone else remembers . . .

   "I have not."

   "You were like a sibling to me, Eret . . ." Nia mutters quietly, shaking her head. "You're the reason I met people like Dream, Sapnap, George and Bad . . ."

   "I'm sorry - er - Nia, but I don't remember any of that. I'm pretty sure I don't know you."

   "But-"

   "-if you need anything, though, I will gladly help you," he says with a smile, cutting her off.

   And despite saying that he doesn't know her, they act the exact same way as when she had first met him.

   Nia blankly stares at Eret.

   Her day has already been awful, after finding out that the only current friend she has is obsessed with power over others. Now she finally got to see Eret . . . and they don't remember her?

   "I know what your eyes look like," she says to him.

   Eret freezes in their spot, gaping at Nia. "You know that . . ."

   "Yes, and I'm not scared of it. I know that's not who you are," Nia smiles at them.

   Okay, Eret might not remember her, and he might be the king of the Dream SMP now, but . . . Eret is still a person she cares about. She'd hate to hurt them no matter what.

   "I-" Eret starts, shaking his head after. "I wish I could remember you, Nia, but I don't, I'm so sorry."

   "It's okay," Nia smiles ruefully, not blaming him. "It was really nice to see you, though."

   "Maybe you could stop by someday?" they ask. "Perhaps it'd help me remember, if we really do know each other."

   "Sure." Nia nods. "I'd love to stop by. I've quite missed the castle anyway."

   "You know it here?"

   "I used to live here," says Nia, pursing her lips. "Like I said, three years ago, I came to the SMP and needed help. You found me and offered it despite not knowing who I am or whether I'm gonna hurt you or not. Not many people I've met were like that, and I appreciate you helping me to this day."

   Eret nods. "I believe you, I really do. I just- I genuinely can't remember."

   " It's okay," the princess repeats again. "But I have one more question."

   "Alright, shoot," says Eret.

   "How's Foolish doing?"

   "Who?"