No prompt since the origin is just me wanting to write this in general!
Template wouldn't be able to tell much on what happened after the dinner with the nobles. He wasn't in a place to be in a political knowledge sphere as ironic as it might seem. He mostly knew what was happening through Ink and the king wasn't saying anything about it. Things felt normal to Template so he just didn't ask about it.
Things only became strange way later when Template found Ink sitting on his throne all alone. No guards, commoners, nobles, chancellors or advisors. Just Ink.
He was just staring at the other side of the throne room. There was nothing there but he watched it none the less. Template wondered what was up with him yet didn't know if he should approach. He just decided to do so since the worst could be him being told off.
"Ink?" He muttered maybe too quiet since Ink didn't respond at first. He didn't want to say it again though just in case he did hear.
"He's going to fight me with all he's got, huh?" The king said with a monotone voice. Template didn't say anything to see if Ink would continue that thought since he didn't understand what the other meant. "Error is going to war just for me, to fulfill his hatred filled goal."
Template's breath hitched at that tyrant's name. A war? Really? "What are you going to do then?"
"Wait for him here. His soldiers will busy mine as he comes to get me himself. He won't find satisfaction in hearing me be dead. I know that much." Ink sits up a bit as if confirming his resolve. "We'll just see who's better then."
Template waited a long time just outside of the throne room. He was told to leave so that if Error did come, Ink could fight his battle alone. Template didn't plan to just let Ink lose though.
Ink would get food from servants but otherwise was unbothered for a very long time. Template would sneak into the kitchen to steal food when he could and take it back to his post.
A lot of fighting happened outside of the castle so it was strangely quiet for the most part. A lot of the staff was allowed to go for a "vacation" of sorts so the castle in general was pretty empty. Template only ran into Dream's family with Pale as he got food or waited around. Dream would talk to him with the youngest twins occasionally adding something in, but usually it just helped pass the time.
The fated day finally cqme at the end of the war between the two kingdoms. Error walked his way down the throne room covered in battle scars.the kingdom of destruction was best at assassination, not close combat to this scale. He only made the battle even by his number of forces he "gathered" and trained over the years. Now he could stand in the throne room across from Ink.
"So it's finally time." Ink said in a tone like he didn't care if they ended up in a fight to the death or not. Error smiled wide and maliciously at the other.
"It's finally the day I can tear you down from that fucking high horse of yours." He responds with a sharp tone. Ink grins as he stands up and catches the sheathed sword that was behind him. Template reacts by clutching his knife he stole from the kitchen.
Template watched the two duel from his hiding spot, not planning to just join in yet. He winced when Error barely missed Ink and tightened his grip on the wall as well as his blade. Ink added battle scars to the other as he gained some of his own through slight slip ups. It almost hurt to watch.
Error managed to get behind Ink where his defense lacked. It was too late for the other to react, for he was already falling to his knees and clutching his shoulder. Error had managed to get a painful enough wound to make the king fall. That's when Template decided to make his move.
"I told you, Ink. You were destined to fall." Error said triumphantly, raising his blade. Ink seemed to close his eyes and accept it but he just seemed to be met with silence before choked gasps. After about a minute worth of time, Ink actually opened his eyes confused. Was death that quick?
He looked back to see Template breathing heavily and holding a slightly bloody and dusty knife. No, that can't be right. It was Error, who had a sword. He deal with the pain as he stood up and stumbled forward.
When he looked back again he still saw Template and the knife. The only knew thing was the piling dust in front of Template he spotted as he fell to his knees again.
Template looked surprised before rushing over to catch the other. "I'll get uou to the castle's hospital ward-" he says quickly. "Hang in there!"
Ink took a moment to register the other's presence. "I can get there myself... I don't want to bleed out on you."
"After all I've gone through because of you, you think I care about a little bit of blood?" Template responds as he rushed off. Ink laughed.
"Did you just admit I'm an ass?" Ink grinned wide.
"Oh my god. Let's just concern ourselves on whether or not a doctor is there and not that dumb deal." Template says as he leans his head down as best he could to peck the other's cheek. Ink laughed louder this time and said nothing more as if silently agreeing.
Hey at least I didn't kill Ink this time!