Two Sides of a Story (SBI AU)

Chapter 43- The King

Tommy POV

Tommy and Dream pushed the door to the throne room open. Immediately Tommy felt shivers crawl down his spine. The last time he had stepped foot in the room, he had been on death's doorstep. He only began to tremble more at the sight of the king.

His father sat on the throne, seemingly standing up straighter at the sight of them. The two guards that stood on either of his sides, made no movement. Tommy could have sworn he saw their faces' light up.

Dream smirked, half bowing, "Your Majesty."

"I see you're finally done hiding Thomas." the king stood up, stepping down from his throne. "Are you ready to face your death?"

"Are you?" Tommy asked, unsheathing his own sword. "I'm here to do what's right. You are not good for this kingdom."

"And you think you are?" Oliver laughed. "You're nothing more than a child. What experience do you have in making decisions? In knowing what's right?" He continued stepping closer.

"I-I know more than you do." Tommy replied. "I know how to protect people, to listen to what they need. You care about nothing less than yourself."

Oliver rolled his eyes, pausing. "You think you're so clever. Yet, you can't even see what stands beside you."

Dream froze at his words, his grip tightening on his sword.

"He shares the same eyes I do. Ones of greed and hatred." the king continued. "If you don't die by my hand, surely you will die by his."

Tommy shook his head, knowing better than to believe it was true. "We're allies... perhaps even friends. We have each other's backs." He stepped forward, pressing his sword closer to the king's chest. "Surrender and I will spare your life."

Dream turned towards him. "He needs to die Tommy."

Tommy glanced towards him in surprise. "Die? But that makes us no better than him. He can rot in prison."

The masked man shook his head, but stood down. He traced his steps away from Tommy, probably set on the guards.

Tommy turned to the king, a smile spreading on his lips. "I'll be a better king than you could ever be."

Oliver smirked, "The king who killed his mother? Or perhaps you've forgotten about the child?"

Tommy swallowed, hearing the echoes of those voices return. It was all his fault. He couldn't stop the man to protect even his own people. What kind of a king would that make him? But then a new voice came to his head. Who was holding the blade? It wasn't him.

Tommy took a deep breath, standing prouder. "I tried to set things right. All you did was destroy them."

The king's eyes widened. "No you-" He gasped in pain, his hands falling down to the blade that had pierced his heart. Tommy froze, watching as Dream withdrew his sword.

"Dream-"

"It was necessary." he allowed the king to fall to the floor before tracing his steps back towards the throne. "That is one thing you can't understand Tommy. You need to punish the people who must be punished. Kindness is nothing but a weakness. Power is the only thing to strive for."

Tommy paused, his eyes wide. "No..."

Dream chuckled, removing his mask. His finger traced the edge of the throne with glee. Tommy finally met his eyes, gasping. They were filled with nothing but greed, just like the king had said.

"Dream, we're on the same side-"

"That's the thing about betrayals Tommy. We all want to think we're on the same side. But really, all anyone wants in life, is to look out for their best interest."

And he took his place on the new throne.

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Hope you liked it!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy