The Hunt

♡ ̆̈IV✩

As Sapnap entered the unfamiliar castle, he felt a sense of fear. Although he was a royal, he didn't know whether the King and Queen of this unfamiliar dimension would be fond of him. He also didn't know whether they'd recognize that he didn't belong here. The nervousness began to kick in as they walked further into the building, passing through the beautiful architecture and pictures hung up on the walls. Sapnap turned to look at the guard who let him in, Quackity. "Are you sure it's a good idea for me to meet them? What if they don't like me?" Sapnap asked, fidgeting with the pouch wrapped around his waist.

He looked down at his clothes. They were formal--a button-up with dress pants—something he would wear on a regular day as a prince. His vest looked dirty, but it wasn't enough to cover the symbol of the Nether. His eyes widened. If anyone saw the said symbol, they'd know he didn't belong. It symbolized a wither--the three heads and its skeletal body. Their "mark." All the royals had it on their clothes. Their shirts, vests, dresses, etc. The citizens had carved the symbol into their weapons. It was even found everywhere in the Nether.

"I'm sure they're going to love you! They're amazing people, I swear. The King and Queen don't have any enemies besides Netherians--" Quackity said, looking over at the prince.

Sapnap nervously chuckled, feeling sweat drip from his forehead. Quackity turned away, unaware of what was going on. Netherians, huh? Sapnap knew the history between the Overworld and the Nether, it wasn't pretty. Back in the older times, the Nether was full of dangerous creatures that wanted nothing but blood to be shed. Emperors grew tired of losing people so they all gathered together and decided to attack. Millions of Netherians were killed. It was initiated a war. Since those times, there were mini groups of Netherians that refused to be violent towards the humans unlike their ancestors and friends--however, they too were caught in the crossfire.

They protested, wanting to be seen as more than just monsters. As the war happened, Netherians who attacked out of pure pleasure and fun were punished until everyone agreed to stop. However, the Overworld refused to believe their surrender, pushing the war further. It was not until the two leaders from the Overworld and the Nether agreed to speak without any violence. They agreed to never come across each other again. However, rebellious Netherians who wanted to see the Overworld would pass through the many portals found in their dimension.

Maybe would steal crops or grab animals to get a taste of the Overworld's food. Many times, however, these Netherians were caught and hunted down, being murdered on sight. Now, every King and Queen had a couple of heads of piglins and withered skeletons hung on their walls. Along with bones being showcased that belonged to human-like Netherians.

Which is why Sapnap was so afraid. He didn't want what happened to his people to happen to him. He didn't want to initiate a second war for being in the dimension. "We're here! Are you ready to meet them?" Quackity asked.

Sapnap looked at him nervously, hesitantly nodding. The man smiled as he nodded at the guards standing at the door leading into the dining room. The two men opened the door, Quackity taking Sapnap by the arm and pulling him inside. Sapnap put on a pleasant smile as he saw the King and Queen sitting across from each other at the dining table, eating their breakfast. Quackity smiled as he bowed, feeling happy to see the two people he served. Sapnap followed, bowing but making a face of disgust when nobody could see.

"Quackity! Our loyal guard--what brings you here?" Queen Rosa asked, dabbing her mouth with a napkin before standing up. Her husband followed, wearing a bright smile on his face as they approached them. Sapnap stood up straight, feeling his heartbeat quicken in his chest as the Queen and King grew closer.

"I found this guy outside the border earlier! He says he left his prior home and needed somewhere to stay, so I thought I could bring him here to meet you!" Quackity said, putting his hand on Sapnap's back.