CHAPTER 4: ONCOMING DEATH PART 1

 There were cheers and joy amongst the gang, everyone drinking and ululating. It was chaotic, but a good kind of chaotic. They all began toasting until Ryles interrupted and gave a nice speech about how they couldn't have done it without Raven. The so-called Raven only bowed his head in acknowledgment and went to sit in a corner, his small frame curling up as he played with a coin, tossing it every minute while observing the group merrymaking and celebrating. It had always been how he behaved; he was reclusive and withdrawn from the world, except when he was needed. Everyone knew his nature, so they didn't bother him.

Master Leo, who had been meditating for hours, walked in on them, and everyone suddenly stood up, maintaining silence. They all bowed at the same time.

"Welcome, Master." Leo sat on the majestic chair in front of everyone.

"Well done, boys. You have done excellent work, as always," he smirked, staring at the large amount of gold in front of him. "I believe you all know the next thing to do once you get your share." He stared at each one of them.

"To lay low, relocate, or stay hidden," they chorused, and he nodded, a graceful smile on his lips.

"On the next full moon, everyone should come to the mountainside, where the sun never touches." It was a code word for another of their secret hideouts, and everyone understood.

His gaze was on Raven all the while, who stared back with the same intensity, no fear or doubt evident in his eyes.

Leo gave everyone their shares and went back into the inner room, with Ryles trailing behind him, who came out seconds later to call the little one into the room. With the three gone, the guys continued drinking while Ragnar played flip the coin with everyone. Whoever chose the side that faced upwards was given the chance to choose where he or she would relocate to. With this, everyone would avoid running into each other while trying to lay low. With Ryles and Raven absent from the group, they got to pick the remaining two options of where they would spend the rest of the week.

"Master," Raven bowed as soon as he entered, his green eyes holding the intensity of what was to come.

"Little one," Master Leo smiled at Raven, gesturing for him to sit. "You did well tonight." His eyes bored into Raven's.

"I couldn't have done it without the squad," he humbly replied, refusing to be flattered. Leo smiled knowingly, which bothered Raven a lot.

"Is there anything you want to share with me?" Leo gently let down the question like a father who wanted to give his son a piece of advice. But Raven knew better than to trust anyone. Though his eyes swirled with so many questions he really needed answers to, he kept them to himself. He tried to look as blank as possible, knowing well that their Master could read minds.

"No, Master," he answered crisply, his eyes unwavering. Master Leo only nodded like an understanding old man.

"Good. Remember, if you ever need to talk or have something bothering you, I'm here for you." With that said, he dismissed Raven before finally facing Ryles. The ever-loyal Ryles had told his Master everything that happened, including how Raven felt confident about the outcome of the situation during the operation. This totally caught Master Leo's attention; he had always suspected the little one to be something more, and he appeared to have guessed right. Master Leo was right to trust his gut, as the boy was indeed something else. Ryles stared at his quiet Master. He was no fool to not realize that his Master had some kind of ability to foresee an event. He had always had his suspicions for years, and it had been confirmed the moment his Master told him to let the little one lead.

"Does the little one also see things?" This thought brought a frown to Ryles' face like he had finally caught on to something.

He turned rigid the moment his Master turned to face him, giving him an intense look. He bowed, knowing what the look meant: to keep his mouth shut.

Master Leo signaled for him to leave, and he walked away. However, the scene he walked into was rather fascinating. The whole group had surrounded Raven, asking him all sorts of questions. Up until today, everyone had only seen him as 'the little one,' the youngest and smallest member of the group, and they had always been indifferent towards him. But today, he was being adored, and he felt anything but comfortable. A tight smile plastered on his lips as he politely declined whatever offer they made.

"It's just amazing how you handled the situation without a single soul dying," Sard chimed in thoughtfully just when Raven thought they were done so he could successfully sneak out. They began another round of discussion with Raven trapped in between.

"Party's over, everyone. Start leaving as planned," Ryles commanded, much to Raven's relief and everyone's dissatisfaction, but their captain had spoken, and they had to leave.

***

 Finally, Raven arrived in Mythoria. Though he wasn't supposed to be here, as he had ended up choosing Eldoria, something very important brought him here. It always had. After all, it was the only reason he had been working and gathering money from something as bad as robbery, as it was the quickest way to earn a large amount, and it was really paying off.

Raven had long crushed his conscience, so he didn't feel bad or guilty. It was for his survival.

Cautiously and stealthily walking amongst the crowd, he made his way to the local carriage. Raven had always been careful, so he couldn't be found if he didn't want to be found. This shows how much he doesn't trust anyone, especially his crew, even though they had been working together for a long time.

*

 Master Leo sat outside on the grass, away from the world as always, meditating in a sitting position. His legs were folded with his eyes closed. The breeze blew on his beautiful aged face, and anyone would believe he was an innocent man at first glance, not knowing the man had many secrets he never especially shared with his men. Though he knew Ryles was catching on already, for now, he decided to ignore it.

Master Leo had the ability to see a small fraction of what would happen in the future, and it had always been accurate. He began using it to his own advantage the moment he understood how it worked. Master Leo grew up in the streets; his childhood had been a tough one as he had to struggle and fend for himself from a very tender age. He had picked up all sorts of behaviors, both good and bad, which had led him into robbery, which was pretty easy for someone as smart as himself.