Ciara yawned as the guys talked business, her hazel eyes lazily following a bird as it fluttered by, singing happily in the warm sunshine. Toby caught her mid-action with a smirk, both of their hands bandaged up, and she shot a glare his way. Soon they were having a silently announced battle, each of them trying to make the most ridiculous face possible behind the adults backs and trying their hardest not to laugh. Once the brunette had struck a pose with one hand on his hip, looking to the sky with a pout and fluttering his eyelashes, that was it. She burst out laughing, and just as the others turned around he went back to normal, acting confused.

"Ciara-uh, did you... uh... did we..." Xephos tried, but trailed off as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"W-what was th-this?!" She managed to exclaim, mimicking his pose before melting into giggles once more.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Ci." He replied, staring at her innocently while she abruptly fell silent, eyes widening.

"Did you just nickname me, Toby?" She asked, hands subtly resting on the hilt of both her weapons as she grinned darkly at him.

"Uh... no, no. I just didn't get a chance to finish speaking...? " He answered, hoping she would keep her promise and not attack anyone.

"Right, that sounds very convincing." She muttered, suddenly realising how strange this situation was, seeing as she hadn't spoken to anyone but Herobrine since...

"Oh, I just remembered! You wanted to meet Ridge, didn't you? We may as well call him, we haven't really got anything else to do... unless you count listening to you two argue." Lalna spoke up, the goggles still on his forehead glinting in the light.

Toby shot her a look, while she just shrugged and smiled meekly. When no-one objected, a earpiece with a small microphone bubbled into existence, already in place. The scientist talked into it, nodding with a grin before it vanished and he glanced to the sky.

"Ridge says he's on his way. And considering he can fly, he shouldn't be long." He announced, confirming Ciara's story when she said that she didn't kill him, making the brunette smile.

True to his word, a figure soon floated down from the sky, wearing his magnificent power-armour that obscured his features, much to their confusion. Under the helmet, his eyes caught sight of the girl, who froze, holding her breath and hoping he wouldn't give her away. To her relief, he smiled kindly, revealing a small gap in between his top teeth.

"Hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm Ridgedog, but call me Ridge, as everyone else does." He extended his power arm, and she awkwardly clasped it and they shook as a greeting.

"Hi Ridge. I'm Ciara, but call me Ciara and not Ci, because I'll... think of a better threat in future if you do." She responded, throwing a look with narrowed eyes to a certain brunette.

"Ridge, how come you're wearing your armour? You can fly without it, you're practically immortal anyway, and you rarely wear it at all." Honeydew pointed out, running a hand over his messy ginger beard.

"I-uh... just felt like wearing it. Does a guy need a reason to do something?" He tried to joke, his tone successfully light, and he even added a convincing chuckle at the end.

"Friend, if there's something wrong, it's better to share than to keep it to yourself." Xephos urged gently, placing a hand on the taller man's armoured shoulder.

"Oh Xeph, are you asking me to undress for you?" He inquired with a girly giggle, making Ciara snort, shaking her head.

"Would you if I were?" The raven-haired man replied, lowering his voice and putting on what he hoped was a seductive smirk.

"...uh... is this normal?" She whispered to Martyn, who laughed.

"Pretty much. Well... welcome to Tekkitopia, where everyone acts very friendly towards each other even with partners!" He muttered back, almost as if he was advertising the town in a very odd fashion.

"All jokes aside, I really don't think you want me to take my armour off. Mostly applies to my helmet, and don't even try to remove it." He stated sternly, sending a nervous glance to her that made her instantly look to the ground and play with her nimble fingers.

"Ri-i-idge, ple-e-ease? Pretty please with cherries on top?" Toby begged, acting a lot younger than he was.

"...remember, you made me do this..." He finally gave in, lifting off his helmet and averting his eyes as everyone took in the red hand print on the side of his face.

The adults gasped in horror, but the kids just stayed silent, knowing what happened. It appeared to be burnt into his skin instead of being blood as it was originally, and Lalna immediately investigated.

"Did you see her face?" Xephos asked urgently, and Ciara forced herself to breathe while Toby took a step closer to her, giving her hand a comforting squeeze.

The short pause seemed to continue for an eternity, when in reality it only lasted a second. "No, she escaped before I could get a good look in. Besides, the room was too dark and how do you expect me to light a torch when I've just been stabbed?"

"Did she almost kill you? How many times did she stab you? Was the person definitely a female?"

"Yes, she almost killed me. She stabbed me twice and one more would've ended me. I couldn't tell if she was a girl or not." He replied, lying through his teeth, yet they seemed to believe him, much to her relief.

"We need to alert everyone." Martyn said calmly, and the raven-haired man nodded.

"Wait- you don't need to..." Ridge trailed off as he sent the message throughout the town.

"Everyone, go to the Jaffa Factory for an important meeting. Please come as soon as you can, it's vital. Thank you, and see you there." Xephos sounded commanding for the first time, and it surprised her, but then a feeling of dread settled in her stomach.

Ridge took off the rest of his armour, and she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed for some reason that he wasn't shirtless, but she pushed it away and focused on the matter at hand.

"Follow me! I'll lead the way!" Honeydew boomed cheerily, before marching off at a pace seeming too fast for his short legs.

Soon they arrived at the factory, all except Ridge, Ciara and Toby anxiously jumping at every sound. A playful breeze ruffled her hair as she stared at the azure sky, wonder filling her as she realised it had never been as blue as this before. She was tugged from her amazement as the demigod pulled her slightly away from the group, giving a grin in response to her confused expression. He found it cute.

"How come this happened? I thought it was just blood." He inquired coolly, pretending he hadn't noticed her flushed cheeks.

"It was just blood, I didn't know that happened... mainly because you're the only one who survived a meeting with the RHM." She mumbled in reply, staring at the palm of her hand with concern.

"Why did I survive?" He whispered, leaning closer and noting with glee that she shivered.

"I... I don't know..." She answered softly, forcing herself to meet his gaze without showing weakness.

"Oh well. Come on, the others are arriving, let's get back." He finally said, striding back with her in tow, telling herself that she didn't like him in that way, that she just had to get close to him for her mission.

A few people had gathered in front of the make-shift stage made of scaffolding, but she found herself shying away from any more company. It was a strange feeling, she wanted to make friends, she wanted to get to know the whole of Tekkitopia, yet she held back, knowing she wouldn't be accepted because she was a murderer. At least, she wouldn't be accepted as the Red Hand Murderer. She would be accepted as Ciara... she hoped. Tentatively, she passed a wave to a black-haired man wearing glasses when she noticed his gaze, and to her delight he grinned and enthusiastically waved back. He beckoned her over, and she awkwardly came towards him, taking in the cheery blonde talking happily to a smiling Xephos. A black cat wound around his legs, but paused at her approach, before stiffening and instantly becoming openly hostile, arching his back with a hiss. The owl perched on the woman's shoulder twisted his head around so he faced the newcomer, before giving a threatening hoot as his feathers ruffled up.

"Oh, this is Ciara. Ciara, meet Lomadia, my girlfriend, and Nilesy, a good friend." The raven-haired man introduced upon noticing her, and Lomadia turned to look at her with friendly curiosity.

"Don't forget Mr. Cat and Mr. Owl!" The man, Nilesy, interjected as he motioned to the pets. "Come on Mr. Cat, be nice to Ciara."

"Hello Ciara, it's good to see a fresh face amongst us. Are you enjoying your stay in Tekkitopia?" She ignored his ridiculous statement, starting a relaxed but formal conversation.

"Yeah, it's great here. Everyone is so friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is lighter than all the other places I've been to. I'm tempted to stay here permanently, Tekkitopia has a wonderful allure about it." Ciara said uncomfortably, aware that more people were arriving by the minute, and a lot of them were watching her.

"It will be brilliant to have another girl! There are far too many guys here in Tekkitopia. Hey, speaking of guys..." The blonde leaned closer, nudging Nilesy away with a smirk as a bad feeling settled on the shorter girl. "...have your eye on any of them yet?"

"W-what?! No!" She exclaimed indignantly, yet sounding very unconvincing much to her embarrassment.

A cheeky grin spread across Lomadia's face at the soft pink blossoming on the other's. "Ooh, so you do? Just a warning, Rythian has his eye on Zoey, so you won't have a chance with him, and Lalna seems very pleased about getting Nano as an apprentice. They think the girls don't notice, but it's obvious. Zoey and Nano do actually return the feelings, but they're waiting to see what the men do, purely for our amusement. Kaeyi is with Martyn, and they make a cute couple."

"I told you, I don't like any of them." She stated more firmly, trying to put as much conviction in her voice as possible.

"Of course you don't. I won't pressure you to tell me, but I'll keep guessing and spreading rumors amongst the girls, so be prepared." The owl-lover warned with a determined look in her eye.

"Can I have everyone's attention please?" Xephos called from up on the stage, making the now-large crowd focus on him. "As you know, I've called you here for urgent matters."

"We know this you t-" A man with some resemblances to a walrus yelled from the group, cutting off as he was punched in the arm by a very short girl with black hair in a bob cut.

"That's Chris, but everyone calls him Trott, which is short for Trottimus. The girl is Nano, the one I told you about earlier. Look at Lalna." Lomadia explained in a hushed whisper, glancing to the scientist who was standing next to her, chuckling proudly before patting her head.

"I've called you here about..." He swallowed nervously. "...the Red Hand Murderer. Questions after, please. And Hat Films, try and refrain from shouting swears for the world to hear. You all saw the storm last night, and the night before, but this morning it faded. Dew was ranting something about it being an omen, because the same has happened in the aftermath of the RHM before. Tekkitopia is the only place that hasn't been targeted... but no more can that be said."

Gasps rippled through the people, not even Hat Films daring to crack a sarcastic joke which would most likely incorporate something rude. Ridge stepped onto the platform, giving a lighthearted grin that made Ciara melt inside, before turning his head so the handprint was visible. Toby wove his way between people, looking for a familiar brunette, relaxing when he saw her next to Lomadia. He settled beside her, using her shoulder as an armrest while she pretended to ignore him, when in reality she was unbelievably thankful for his presence.

"So last night Ridge was attacked by the RHM and stabbed twice. She seemed unable to finish him off, instead fled after leaving her mark. But, even though it was blood originally, now it looks like a permanent attribute on Ridge's face. I wanted everyone to be aware that she could still be around, and to keep someone in sight at all times. She might strike again." He finished, all joking notes gone from his voice.

"We could easily take her if she attacked us." Rythian pointed out, power rings glinting on his fingers as if to prove a point.

"We might be able to, but we can't be sure. Ridge was attacked with a katar, so we don't know what other tricks she has. It's best we are on our guard. On a lighter note, as some of you might've noticed, we have a new person with us. Ciara, would you mind coming up here so everyone can see you?" Xephos asked, now a lot brighter.

She reluctantly dragged herself away from the safety of numbers, stepping onto the stage and shuffling her feet as she stood next to the raven-haired man. Then she told herself off for being so meek, so drew herself up to her full short height and held herself proudly, intimidating gaze raking across the group. She offered a grin, and everyone visibly relaxed, making her feel more comfortable.

"Hello everyone! It's great to be here in Tekkitopia because it's... brilliant." She exclaimed chirpily, before dropping her real smile into a fake annoyed expression and turning to Xephos, lowering her voice to a stage whisper. "Is that what you wanted me to say? Good. Now give me the money."

"Uh... Ciara, everyone! Be sure to introdu-"

"You!" A ginger shouted, storming closer to the front of the crowd while confused murmurs followed in his wake. "You're a murderer! You killed my father! You aren't just any murderer, you're the Red Hand Murderer!"

She stood, frozen in shock, mouth slightly ajar for a moment before she had the sense to close it. Thankfully, her lying skills clicked into play, and she put on a passive expression. "That's a nice accusation for a new possible-resident. I can just feel how welcoming you're being."

"Sparkles*... I know you're usually right, but there's always a first..." The raven-haired man tried, but shrank under his smoldering blue eyes.

He stalked up to the front of the stage, almost the same height as her despite being on lower ground. "Don't play innocent with me. You may have been around five years younger back then, but I'd never forget the face of the girl who murdered my father. He was in the crowd as your father was hanged, he was hoping to stop the madness the town had fallen into. I watched from the window as you shot a bullet that flew through his skull and out the other side, spraying the glass with blood. I watched as the life left his eyes. I watched as you ruthlessly destroyed person upon person. I watched as the ground became red and rain pummelled the land. Who do you think gave the recount of what happened in Tomanitem that cursed day? You're the RHM, and even if no-one else will believe me, I know it's true, no matter what you say."

She fumbled for words for a moment, unwanted memories flashing across her vision, each one sending another stab of emotional pain. "I-I... my family was killed in Tomanitem as well, you know. They were killed by the RHM as well. I had left just before... and when I returned their cold, lifeless corpses were littered across the ground, empty eyes staring endlessly at the bleak sky. Their, and others', blood stained the earth crimson, the same liquid splattered across their white skin and seeping into their mud-soaked clothes. You think I don't feel your pain? You think you're any different? You think you're special because your family is dead? You think I don't wish the Red Hand Murderer hadn't ever started out? Think again, Sparkles*." With that, she let the tears flow, and walked off the stage, running off towards Inthelittlecorp without thinking.

Hooves thundered closer just as she reached the cover of trees, pale grey clouds blanketing the blue sky as it started to drizzle moodily. She took a leap of faith, grabbing onto a high branch and hauling herself up, the leaves providing some shelter as she ran across more branches and jumping from tree to tree. As the presumably mounted horse got closer, she stopped to catch her breath, flattening herself against the damp trunk in hopes of giving the pursuer the slip. It didn't work, and instead they came to a stop right below her. She quietly pulled out the map, wondering who it was, and was shocked -as well as secretly delighted- to see Ridgedog marked there.

"There's no point in trying to hide, Ciara. I know where everyone is at all times." He called up, making her sigh and drop down in front of him.

"Ahh, Meesta Reedgedawg, thees girl ees preeetty!" She gaped at the sombero-wearing grey horse in disbelief, not quite understanding that it had just spoken.

"Shut up Paco." Ridge muttered, sliding off his back, the iron armour chinking as he did so.

"Paco ees sawry Meesta Reedgedawg. But Paco theenks she would make a good paaartneeer for Meesta Reedgedawg." Paco neighed dejectedly, flicking his ears that poked through his hat and shaking his head.

"Paco!" He exclaimed, a trace of awkwardness in his tone, gold eyes wide as her face reddened.

"Aaah, Meesta Reedgedawg liiikes Ceeaahrah!" The horse teased, but instantly shutting up when his owner took out what appeared to be a golden lasso. "Uh no Meesta Reedgedawg don't put me back een there, eet's dark and naaasty and-" He was cut off as the lasso was looped around his neck and he disappeared.

"Sorry about Paco. He's a d-" Ridge stopped upon noticing a raised eyebrow from the girl, giving a grin before correcting himself. "-he's very annoying."

"He seems alright, I've seen worse. But how come you followed me out here?" She asked, wrinkling her nose as a raindrop landed on it.

The question seemed to catch him off guard, his cool exterior faltering as he tipped his head slightly to one side as he considered. "Well, you didn't take my life, so I feel like I should check on you to make sure yours isn't in danger."

"Really? You think I'd get into trouble with these?" She drew both her weapons, crossing them in front of her before sheathing them once again.

He chuckled at her confidence, a smile gracing his handsome features as his eyes lingered on her face. "I guess with most things you'd be set... but there's something darker out there, something much worse than a common zombie or skeleton. Something even worse than the Wither or the Enderdragon, and I don't know how effective your skills will be."

"W-what do you mean, greater darkness?" She stuttered, feeling unsettled, and uncomfortably aware that the shadows seemed to sharpen and take evil forms.

He reached out a hand to comfort her, but let it drop back to his side, the sweet gesture going unnoticed. "I wish I knew. But I'm trying to find out, and I'll continue until I discover what it is."

"That's brave." Something she wanted to say was ready on her tongue, but she let it fade and acted as if she was finished.

"Say, is there anything going on between you and Toby?" He suddenly inquired out of the blue, appearing nonchalant yet feeling tense, though he wasn't entirely certain why.

"B-wuh-what?! No, why would you think that?" She spluttered, instantly going a pretty shade of pink.

"He seems to be very affectionate towards you..." He trailed off, tearing his gaze away from her stunning eyes.

"He figured me out, so I confirmed his suspicions. We made a pact where I wouldn't murder any Tekkitopian or relatives in return for him keeping my secret. So, apart from you, he's the only one who knows." She explained hurriedly, holding up her bandaged hand as proof.

"Oh." He visibly relaxed, the easy-going smile returning as he glanced up, watery sunlight filtering through the leaves. "Did you mean everything you said to Sparks*?"

"Every word." She spat bitterly, clenching her hands into fists as she kicked at the ground with her boots.

"...so you wish you'd never become the RHM...?" He whispered softly, daring to take a step closer before gently lifting her head to look at him.

"Of course. So many people died at my hand... so many lives torn apart... so many grieving family members... it all weighs on my conscience and makes me feel constant guilt. If he had never found me, if he had never told me lies, if I had never believed him, then this never would've happened. It would've ended after the first few people. I'm a disgusting excuse for a person..." She breathed sadly, closing her eyes as a fresh tear slipped down her cheek.

He carefully brushed the tear away, allowing his hand to stay on her face a little longer than was necessary. "You aren't a bad person. You've changed. In fact, everything changed the moment you made the decision not to kill me. You made friends here in Tekkitopia, and you were perfectly happy to stop killing other people. You protected Martyn and Toby when night fell, when you could've easily let them die. I'm sure you'll do many more good things for the rest of us. Please don't beat yourself up about the past, just think about the present and don't worry about the future. You can stay in Tekkitopia permanently, you can become almost family to all of us. I- everyone would love you to stay."

"R-really? But why would anyone want a murderer as a close friend?" Ciara couldn't help but be consumed by doubts, despite how tempting the wonderful idea was.

"I want you as a close friend. Toby would too, and then Martyn and Kaeyi would be happy to have you as a friend as well. I don't see why anyone wouldn't." He murmured comfortingly, gathering his courage and pulling her into a quick hug, his heart racing gleefully when she didn't object.

"Thanks Ridge... that means a lot coming from you." She said once they'd parted, unable to stop herself from beaming at him, not noticing how delighted he was.

It was then she realised she was in love. And of course she was in love with none other than a demigod... a perfect demigod. Her hazel eyes shone happily as she stared up at him, neither of them feeling the need to speak in the ideal moment. Ridge debated on whether or not to do what be wanted to, before screwing all sense and leaning down towards her. Martyn chose that moment to loudly tramp through the undergrowth, a soaked Toby trailing behind, both abruptly stopping and awkwardly looking at the two.

"Are we interrupting anything?" The blond spoke up, offering a small half-smile in an attempt to slice through the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"I-uh... n-no? No." Ciara muttered uncertainly, shuffling away from the demigod who looked a little put out.

"I fell in the river!" Toby suddenly said, pretending to be proud as he grinned at them, making all of them burst into laughter despite the weird situation.

"How did you manage that?! I mean, it's not like you couldn't see it, after all it's a river!" She spluttered out through giggles, the previous event temporarily forgotten.

"He saw something shiny on the riverbed, and had the smart idea of stepping closer to get a better look, which ended up in him slipping in. Honestly, Toby, you say the most random things." Martyn explained, backing away when the sopping brunette came closer with a mischievous smirk.

"I'd better be off, I said I'd help Lalna with some science experiments." Ridge hastily spoke up, lifting slightly off the ground and floating there for a moment.

"See you soon, Ridge." Ciara replied casually, and he nodded in response before zooming away into the sky, a few leaves twirling to the ground in his wake.

"What happened between you two there?" Toby asked curiously, having a feeling that his suspicions were correct.

She brushed past them, briskly continuing towards Inthelittlecorp, forcing them to hurry after her. "Something happened." She answered vaguely, grinning as she thought back to the moment.

Being in love is a great feeling.