Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, it doesn't really matter to me, so here's a chapter for you! ...that was lame. .-.

The sun was setting, a pink glow melting across the horizon. Roses bushes were scattered here and there on the healthy green grass, their red petals encircling her. Delicate pink blossoms from the cherry trees fluttered down, almost covering the land in a swath of colour. One landed in her hair, making him chuckle next to her before gently picking it up and passing it to her. She stared at it in awe, carefully turning it over in her fingers, aware of his gaze continuously on her. The light was just right for it to catch on everything and make it all glow ideally, and it all seemed far too perfect, in a way, like a scene from a book. She turned back to look at him, the fading sun reflecting in his golden eyes as he stared into the sunset. Her hazel eyes drew in every amazing detail about him, his defined jaw, softened by a small beard on his chin, the way his lips were curved into a playful smile, how the breeze played with his fluffy, pale brown hair yet didn't mess it up. She let out a soft, contented sigh, intertwining their fingers and leaning her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and allowing the warmth of the sun to bathe her eyelids. It was a beyond perfect moment that could only be made better by...

"Ciara?" His voice came softly, and she looked up at him with a welcoming smile.

"Yes, Ridge?" She replied easily, his name as sweet as honey on her tongue.

He looked troubled for a moment, before his features relaxed and he returned his attention to the beautiful girl sitting beside him. He leaned closer, as did she, both closing their eyes. Their faces were just centimetres apart, she could feel his breath brush her face. This was it, the moment she'd been waiting for-

Clang!

Ciara jolted awake, heart pounding from the shock of the rude awakening. A warden was hitting the door, looking through the peephole with blank grey eyes. Somehow she hasn't noticed this fact before, but the eyes were the least realistic, giving away the fact that they were robots.

"Get up you lazy a-"

The rest of his words were drowned out as Ridge released a huge, exaggerated yawn as he stretched, amusement in his tired eyes.

"-you think this is a summer camp, little ba-"

This time it was Toby who let out a incomprehensible mumble, loud enough to cover the rude words that were spilling into the room.

"-so get to your feet and look presentable for your execution, useless t-"

"Why would we need to look good if we're going to die in a short while?" Ciara asked with boredom, once again speaking over the multiple swears that this robot seemed to enjoy saying.

"Shut it, b-"

"I would like to ask you to kindly refrain from cursing as much, especially as insults to us," Ridge growled steadily, seeming to unnerve the guard, despite it not even being alive.

"Very well, stupid f-" He coughed, eyes darting away from their jail for a moment. "-very well."

The door slid open with a horrible scraping noise, making them wince before stepping out after the warden. They paused at Peter's door, but the peephole was closed and the inside was silent, so they reluctantly continued, ignoring the robot's rambling. There were no keys on his belt, so he must've scanned his finger like on her cage outside. In the upstairs room, people stopped their work purely to jeer at them as they passed, Ciara clinking with each step. Ridge was still commanding, although she could clearly sense that he was no way near as strong as he used to be after that injection, but they didn't seem to realise that and awkwardly went back to their actions. They were now out on the streets, surprisingly empty aside from the odd few people who scuttled past, head down, shoes sloshing through the melting snow on the ground. Everything was eerily quiet and dreadfully still. Finally, as she assumed they were arriving at the town centre, the noise level went up, and they saw a huge crowd of people, all chatting, wrapped up in hats, scarves and gloves. She swallowed nervously as they were led around the back, few people noticing her, until they were standing behind the gallows, out of sight.

"Right, so, this tiny b- she's going first, she committed the worst offence. You two can watch and cry, but you'd better not think of doing anything."

Ciara was given a firm push in her middle back, forcing her up the steps onto the wooden platform, while Toby and Ridge were pulled up after, both looking pale. The crowd fell silent almost instantly, what seemed like millions of eyes boring into her, judging and hating her very being. In front of her hung three ropes with a loop on the end, and she strode over to the middle one with more confidence than she felt.

"Anything you wish to say before you are sentenced to death?" A voice boomed out, echoing off the walls of the buildings, so much so that she couldn't work out it's source.

"Yes. Yes, there is," She spoke out loud and proud, her voice strong and unwavering as she gazed upon the people. "I don't doubt for a second that I deserve this. I am a terrible person, and I accept that. But please don't judge these two for their actions, for have you never kept a secret for someone dear to you, swearing never to tell even if the going gets tough?" There were faint murmurs in response. "I thank you for your thoughts on the matter, and hope you uphold my plea even after I die. These two don't deserve it, for they are good people."

Someone shouted out, "How do we know this is truly the Red Hand Murderer?"

"Silence!" The disembodied voice resounded again.

"I am the Red Hand Murderer. I don't deny it even if I am not proud to say I am." She finished calmly, willingly slipping the noose over her head so it rested on her neck.

The executioner came over, all in black clothing with only eyeholes to see, and took off her cloak and Kaitlyn's scarf, passing them to a hunchbacked person who swiftly vanished again. Her insides twisted up in hidden fear as he tightened the rope until it was resting snugly against her skin, but she didn't start crying, just kept staring grimly ahead, not allowing any bitter emotion to leak into her gaze. He plodded over to the lever with uneven steps, possibly caused by a fake leg, and clasped his hands around the contraption that would trigger her death. Time slowed down as he gave a tug, the lever moving towards him at the same time as the trapdoor underneath her feet swung open, allowing her to drop so she was held up by her neck. The fall wasn't enough to break her neck, so she would suffer for longer, but it made her head jerk upwards slightly so she was partially looking at the sky.

"Ciara, no!" Toby yelled, voice breaking from grief, but there was nothing he could do.

Her throat stung from rope burn, and her chest was feeling tight and constricted, her heart beating harder and harder against her ribcage. Unwanted panic welled inside of her as her mouth opened by instinct, but she was unable to draw a breath due to the rope restricting her windpipe. Gradually, her eyes began to feel heavier as the pain of her lungs screaming for air dulled down, so she closed them, forcing a smile to grace her features as memories flickered through her mind.

...she was running around outside her house, around the young age of five, chasing after her brother who had her favourite cuddly toy in his grasp, and soon her sister joined in too. When he tired out, he had to stop running, and the two girls pounced on him, tickling him until he was red in the face and he couldn't breathe for laughter...

Her consciousness was slipping from her, but she was still vaguely aware of that voice again, announcing something to the crowd. She clenched her fist weakly, releasing the last wisp of oxygen through her lips as snow began to fall, dusting her hair. For once she felt utterly hopeless.

...she was a little older this time, but she still didn't understand why her beloved sister was looking so pale as she lay still on the floor. Everyone was crying except her, confused as to why her sister didn't even move when she offered to play hide and seek, even when she knew she always lost...

Ciara had forgotten how much she missed her sister, Ivy, and the grief returned with a resentful spike to her chest. Her ears managed to pick up the screaming and yelling of Toby and Ridge, making guilt rise inside her as she thought of how they would die after her.

...she stood outside the slightly ramshackle house, even older now but not yet a teen, saddened by the fact that her brother was leaving her. She was crying as she hugged him tightly, telling him not to go while he mumbled that he would come back soon. Just before he left, she ran back inside the house, coming back out with her well-loved cuddly toy, handing it over and earning another hug, as he, this time, cried...

The only reason she was surviving for what seemed like forever was because of the training Herobrine had forced her through, pushing her head underwater until she could hold her breath for a long time. She could hold it for about five minutes, last time she checked, which, right now was both a curse and a blessing.

...now in her early teens, she fully understood what had happened to her sister, why her brother left, and now why there was blood everywhere. Her mother was lying still, stomach still swollen with a child that would never be born. It was then that she lost her childhood, her immature attitude, the spark of life in her eyes...

She slowly opened her eyes again, looking over the people who appeared surprised that she was still alive. She found it a little ironic that she was going to die in the same city as she originally was, in the same weather, no less. Then her gaze settled on a face at the very back, and her blood ran cold. His white eyes glared at her, a smirk playing on his lips, knowing he had won. She wouldn't let him win- she couldn't. If she did, there was no telling what he would do next. After all, he was the one joined the government and corrupted it, he was the one who got her to kill any members who disagreed with him. He was the one who ruined her life. Her eyes darkened with the sky, fury fueling her and giving energy that rocketed through the clouds as sparks of electricity. The delicate snow stopped, only to be replaced with angry thunder. Energy buzzed above her, becoming stronger and more powerful by the second, until, like a water breaking through a dam, it all exploded. Lightning cut down towards her, blinding the onlookers as it enveloped her and exploded the gallows with pure power. People screamed as burning debris rained down on them, searing their flesh and occasionally setting their clothes alight. The guards fled for their lives, allowing Toby and Ridge to rush up to the bright fire where she was. Heat made their skin tingle from the sudden temperature change, but neither dared to enter the taunting flames, despite desperately wanting to in case she, somehow, had survived the freak weather accident.

Shockingly, to the people still gathered, gaping at the spectacle, a hand outlined with electric blue whisked out of the fire. It was soon followed by a leg, an arm, and then, Ciara was out of the flames, instead standing in front of it with a glowing light emanating from her. She was completely unharmed, save the red ring around her neck, and looked ready to kill again. Herobrine's expression was foreign to him. It was one of shock, and, amazingly, fear. She smirked at him, revelling in the fact that she had displeased him, before raising her arms into the air. A loud crack sounded as a mighty bolt shot from the Aethers, aiming straight for him. When the light died down, it was revealed that he had gone. She let out a guttural growl, no longer feeling that she needed to breathe or do anything remotely mortal in order to survive. All she felt that she needed to do was kill him. There was a gentle touch on her arm, making her flinch and raise her hand as if to strike the offender, by she lowered it as soon as she saw who it was, her evil façade dropping in an instant.

"CC? Is it really you?" Toby whispered in a hoarse voice, throat sore from crying out in vain.

Her lips curved into a pleasant smile. "Toby..."

"Was that all you, the weather I mean?" Ridge asked curiously, seemingly overlooking the fact that she was still supercharged.

"One can only assume, Ridge," She paused, squinting into the dissipating chaos. "Herobrine was here. He was the one who sold us out because I was disobedient, he was the one who corrupted the government, he's the reason for everything bad. He was heading towards Tekkitopia, we need to follow him!"

Ridge put a hand on her glowing shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, making her calm down a little. "Okay. You know, this might be one of the first times I've seen you completely and utterly terrified. You weren't even scared when you were going to be hanged."

"I'm not scared!" She retorted, but her defensiveness gave her away.

"Yeah... Well, anyway, we aren't walking there, it's way too far. I would've teleported us, but because of that injection, my powers have been temporarily dulled," He rummaged through his pockets, before he pulled out a shimmering golden lasso with a triumphant expression.

"They didn't take that?" Toby exclaimed, disbelieving.

"Apparently not. They didn't realise how useful it is... nor how annoying the thing it contains is." He joked as he unravelled the loop and whipped it on the ground.

There was a flash of golden light as a crack emanated from the impact, and when their eyes adjusted to the change they saw Paco, standing there majestically with his head held high. He neighed in excitement, rearing onto his back legs and almost dislodging the sombrero in the process, before settling for a hyper canter around them.

"Meesta Reedgedawg needed Paco's heeellp!" He nickered happily, coming to stop in front of them and shrinking back under Ridge's warning gaze.

"Shut up Paco and get going to Tekkitopia." The demigod muttered, hoisting himself up then questioning how all three would get there.

Ciara rolled her eyes, the blue glow fading as she tipped her head to the sky and let out a powerful call, neither beast nor human. There was a pause as everything stared blankly at her, wondering what in Minecraftia that was for, until there was a thundering of hooves. A sleek black horse speckled with white flecks shot towards them, three males backing away as it didn't seem to stop. The mare came to a complete standstill right next to Ciara, who looked delighted, before she gave a shocked whinny and began to nuzzle her owner.

"I'm sorry, I know, I didn't let you know what had happened, but you did dump me in the dirt when I needed you!" She spoke with a tone much different to one she used towards the guys, it was softer, more gentle and loving. "So we're even, right, Silcassan?"

"Oiiiyh, how come Paco doesn't get a elegant name like that, Meesta Reedgedawg?" Paco butted in dejectedly, soft brown eyes widening as Silcassan turned her head to look at him, her dark mane swishing to one side.

"Because you aren't a female, Paco..." His owner muttered, pointing out the obvious.

"Oiiyh, aren't you a pretty mare, Silcassan?" Paco attempted to flatter her, only earning a dangerous huff and a glare from gorgeous deep brown eyes.

"We need to get going, if you've finished with your terrible attempt at flirting," Ciara pointed out, grabbing Silcassan's mane and lithely sliding onto her back. "Ridge, I hope you aren't as bad as Paco at flirting. Because if you are, I pity the girl who has to suffer that."

"So you'll pity yourse-" One of his hands shot to his mouth, the other tightly clasping Paco's mane, and he looked guiltily away.

Her eyebrows went up, but for his sake, she didn't mention anything, despite the comfortable buzzing flickering in her body. Instead, she held out a hand to Toby, who took it and cautiously pulled himself up, clearly not used to riding.

"You know, I'd advise you to hold onto me, because by your body language it's clear that you'll fall off if you don't." She said nonchalantly, feeling him tense worriedly and wrap his arms around her torso, much to her amusement.

When she was certain that he was going to be fine, she gently dug in her heels and muttered their destination into Silcassan's ear, making her give a neigh as confirmation before galloping off. The brunette gripped tighter, making breathing difficult for his sister, but she just smiled and lowered her body to make her more aerodynamic. Paco sped off after them, surprisingly fast, and managed to keep up the same pace. Ridge and Ciara had looks of determined concentration on their faces, whereas Toby appeared terrified, Paco seemed lovestruck and Silcassan was confidently placid. The horse's hooves struck the damp ground in perfect harmony, both trying to pull ahead in a silently announced race, but before they knew it they were already in Tekkitopia.

"Ciara, Ridge and Toby are dead. What are you going to do now? You're hopeless and pathetic on your own, and you're all going to die." A hated voice jeered, making all of them freeze and grit their teeth.

Ciara swiftly dismounted, hands making their way to her waist, only to find that he still had her weapons, leaving her defenceless. Ignoring the calls for her not to go, she stormed out from behind the Sipsco building, only to pause and collect her wild thoughts. Herobrine was standing in front of the remaining members of the Yogscast, laughing maniacally which they just stared back, stuck in place from horror. Xephos had her swords laying across his hands, his whole body shaking as he just gazed blankly at them, eyes wide and filled with unshed tears. Sips' hands were clenched into fists, and he was glaring defiantly up at the demonic God, standing in front of everyone. As she watched, still unnoticed, he threw an angry punch at the white-eyed man. Herobrine caught his hand, twisting his arm around until there was a sickening crack that made the grey-skinned dirt salesman yell out a swear, before he was carelessly tossed to one side. He landed on the ground with a painful thud, face set in a grimace as he gripped his arm so tightly that his fingers turned white.

"They aren't dead... They can't be dead..." Nilesy was repeating, hoping that if he said it enough that it would become true.

Weakly, the spaceman straightened up, a sword in each hand and a determined expression on his face. He let out a low growl, lunging forwards, intending to stab the God, but the weapons were jolted out of his grip and thrown away, and he was kneed in the stomach. Little did Herobrine know, he had just thrown Ciara's swords right towards her. Little did he know, she had just picked them up. Little did he know, she was going to kill him.