(yes i couldn't figure out literally any way to fit "and of Pleasure" into the book so i just stuck it into the title of this chapter)

i apologize in advance if this is a bit inconsistent, it's been a while since i wrote this and I had to go back and reread to figure out what AU this even is lol

Scott and Jimmy stood atop the hill that surrounded their valley, gazing out across the world towards the plains where the Crastle stood.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to leave Grian alone?" Scott asked for the millionth time.

"No, but we have to," Jimmy told him, although inwardly he wasn't sure either.

"Why do we have to go again?" Scott replied worriedly, glancing back at the valley where they'd left their friend.

"We have to make sure we're seen so people don't get ideas," Jimmy reminded him.

"You're right," Scott sighed. "I don't like it though."

"I know, I know," Jimmy began moving forward down the hill and Scott followed after him.

The two made their way habitually across the forest towards the Crastle. Before long, they emerged onto the plain on which the Crastle stood, a lone fortress fortifying itself from attacks. Above it loomed Dogwarts, menacing as ever, hunkered down and preparing for war.

Scott and Jimmy headed out towards the Crastle. Before long, they were stopped by a woman's voice ringing out across the land.

"Halt!"

They obeyed. It was wise not to question Cleo. Especially when she had the high ground and a rocket launcher.

"What do you want?" she demanded.

"Cle-o, can we pleeease not chase off more people?" Bdubs whined. "They probably just came to admire the glorious castle."

"Indeed," Jimmy agreed. "And what a majestic sight it is."

Scott nodded in agreement. "We simply came to see if we might become allies with the lovely builders. Who wouldn't want to ally with the creators of such an amazing castle?"

"I suppose..." Cleo said warily. "Perhaps."

"Thank you thank you thank you!" Bdubs exclaimed. "Come in, friends!"

"You're going to be the death of me," Cleo complained fondly.

"Nah," Bdubs replied.

Scott let Jimmy lead the way across the drawbridge. Bdubs ran down the stairs and greeted them. "Hello, wonderful people!"

"Hello!" Jimmy replied.

"So, an alliance?" Cleo stalked moodily down the steps.

Scott nodded. "Yep."

"Wait, hold up," Jimmy interrupted. He pointed towards the hill on which Dogwarts stood. Three figures were making their way down the slope.

Cleo narrowed her eyes. "You two came as a distraction."

"Dude, we hate Dogwarts!" Jimmy protested.

"You sure-" Cleo began.

"Cle-o, it's Scott and Jimmy, why would Dogwarts choose to use them as a distraction?" Bdubs asked.

"Harsh," Scott commented.

"But true," Jimmy added.

"Fine, you can ally with us," Cleo decided.

"Thank you!" Bdubs told her.

By this time, Dogwarts had made its way down the mountain and was advancing across the field.

"People of the Crastle!" Ren called.

"Yes?" Cleo demanded.

"We've come to wage war," Ren growled.

"To war, then!" Cleo yelled back. "Bdubs, fire!"

Twin fireworks exploded at Ren's feet and he scurried back. Drawing his sword, he pointed it forwards and yelled. "Charge!"

Martyn and Skizz ran forward, dodging fireworks. Scott and Jimmy ran out of the crastle, weapons in hand. The four met with a clash of metal.

While the flower duo distracted the Red King's sidekicks, Bdubs leaped down from the top of the Crastle and dove gracefully into the moat. He clambered out, dripping, and charged at Ren. Ren sidestepped his attack and used the opportunity to stab Bdubs in the chest. Bdubs stumbled backwards and Ren slashed at him again. Bdubs clumsily blocked it, blood spilling onto the ground. Ren smirked.

Cleo's eyes widened and she fired a rocket at Ren. Unfortunately for her, Ren heard the firework. His ears perked up and swiveled around and he ducked behind Bdubs. The rocket hit Bdubs directly and he exploded in a flash of colors and items.

Ren emerged from the explosion grinning. "Gotta do better than that."

"Oh, I can," Cleo snarled loudly.

She leaped down and stabbed Skizz in the back, finishing him off, then ran at Ren.

Meanwhile, Scott and Jimmy were quite evenly matched with Skizz and Martyn. They were all quite low when Cleo killed Skizz. Jimmy froze, unsure of what to do for a split-second, and in that moment of hesitation, Martyn threw a knife into his chest. Scott's eyes went dark. He lunged angrily at Martyn. Martyn pushed aside the sword and pulled out another knife, stabbing it towards Scott's side. Scott jumped forward, missing the knife, then reached behind him, twirled, and swiped the blade out of Martyn's grasp.

Martyn backed up cautiously and Scott swiped the knife at his head. Martyn ducked and Scott dropped the knife into his other hand, stabbing lower. Martyn reflexively grabbed a third dagger and parried the strike. Scott backed up, defeated. Martyn rushed at him, stabbing his dagger at Scott, who dodged left and came around for another stab. Martyn twirled, blocked, and grabbed Scott's wrist.

Scott froze and tried to get out of Martyn's grip, but Martyn had him trapped. He could see the panic and realization in Scott's eyes as he stabbed the dagger in his free hand straight through Scott's heart.

Martyn stood alone, breathing hard, shock and realization setting in of what he'd just done.

He'd just killed his best friend.

Ren walked up from behind him, having defeated Cleo in a fearsome battle.

"Let's go home," Ren told him kindly.

"Yeah," Martyn agreed. He paused. "Are we... doing the right thing?"

"Of course!" Ren assured him. "Of course we are."

"Okay..." Martyn said, but inwardly he was still doubtful.

He could only hope his feelings went away.