The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Creo and his group had descended down from the mountain, their steps were heavy but their hearts were light as their burden was lifted from their realm.
The kingdom of Elderith was now in a state of peace, after the CHESS organization attacked their land, they were able to start again and the villagers, who had anxiously awaited their return, rushed to greet them with joyous cries.
"They're back, after a long wait, they have returned!" A male villager said.
"The heroes have returned! We owe them our lives." A female villager said.
"It's good to be home at last." Athena said happily.
"You and me both, Athena." Creo nodded.
The villagers surrounded all of them, offering them food and drinks, all of their faces were alight and filled with gratitude and admiration.
The children tugged at Creo's sleeves, with all of their eyes looking at him in awe.
"Mr. Creo, is it true that you really defeated the bad guys?" A young boy asked.
"Yes, I did. But I couldn't have done it without the help of my dear comrades." Creo said as he knelt down to the child's level.
"Well then, I guess it's time to celebrate, for Elderith, for the safety of the realm!" Zino's aid as he placed his hand on Creo's shoulder.
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*Flashback of CHESS organization origins*
In the old days of Elderith, CHESS was not formed as a force of terror that it is today but rather it was comprised of a group of skilled individuals that believed in the ideas of nobility, to protect and to unify.
*The scene takes place in a grand hall where a younger King who was filled with hope, addressing a group of knights and scholars*
"My comrades, I came to you today to discuss about my vision." Young King said.
"I dream of an organization, I call it CHESS...it will be known as the shield and the sword of Elderith, guarding it against future threats and ensuring that the land will flourish." Young King explained.
"Your vision is very noble, my good lord. But it is best to be wary of those who would see our power as a threat." An advisor explained.
"You have made a fair point, I'll take note of that." King said.
The other members simply nodded and had faith in King, trusting him in his plan of a brighter future for Elderith.
*As the times have passed, CHESS had began to grew their influence, as King was becoming powerful, the Senate had other plans and began to secretly inform to the leader of that time to put an end to his cause.*
"Your Majesty, you have to stop King and his allies, their influence has began to become stronger." A senator said.
"He must be stopped this once!" Another senator said.
"Then so be it, I will confront him and banish him upon this kingdom, ending his further influence." The previous ruler said as he stood up from his throne.
*The king, senators, accompanied with soldiers proceeded to confront King and his trusted confidants in a private room*
"Why hello there, Your Majesty. What brings you here?" King said as he bowed before him.
"We have an important matter to discuss..." The ruler said.
"What sort of matter do you mean?" King asked curiously.
"Where do I begin..." The ruler said as he was thinking of where to start his talk with King.
"You see, I've noticed that your newly established group known as CHESS has grown successful and influential..." The ruler said.
"And? What does this mean for us?" King questioned.
"I'm terribly sorry for this King, but I'm going to have to put an end to this." The ruler said.
"Wh-what do you mean by that?" King said, he couldn't process what just happened.
"You have become a threat to this kingdom! Your mere presence is something that must be taken care of!" The senator said.
"How could you say that..." King said furiously.
King proceeds to charge towards the senator but the guards overwhelm him and his comrades.
"Escort them out of the kingdom..." The senator ordered.
The guards proceed to take them out and banish them from the gates of Elderith, leaving them lying on the ground.
"This has gone out of line, they've tarnished our reputation after everything we've done for them, how could they?!" King said angrily as he punched dhis fist on the ground.
His comrades were also upset like King, they too felt his pain, and so they decided to start anew and their descent was very swift.
"You're not the only one who feels this pain King, we understand and we will help you start anew." Queen said.
"We won't let some kingdom destroy your dream, we promise you that." Rook said.
"I'm glad that I can't count on you guys." King said as he got up.
The King that was once full of hope and had a compassionate heart, was known hardened as stone, an organization that once stood for nobility and unity, had became a symbol of terror and fear as it's original purpose was now twisted beyond it's original recognition.
*Flashback ends*
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*Back in the present day*
Currently the kingdom of Elderith was alive with celebration. The town was filled with decorations, casting a warm and bright glow over the kingdom's square where tables laden with food and drink beckoned.
"Tonight is a celebration, to our brave dear warriors! They have secured our future!" General Relade Senior said happily as he made the toast.
"And to the people of Elderith who have shown their unwavering support!" General Relade Junior stated.
"May this victory be a beacon of hope to us all!" The Arquitenen Leader said.
"I hereby want to make a toast, to those we've lost, to those we've saved, and to the bonds we have forged. This has only been the beginning!" Creo said as he raised his glass.
Laughter and music filled the air, and everybody was dancing, enjoying the moment.
"Cae to dance with me, King of Elderith?" Athena asked as she held Creo's hand.
"Sure, I'd love to." Creo said as he was pulled by Athena.
Creo and Athena shared a dance together, it was a testament to their enduring friendship.
"There's still so much to do, let's continue to celebrate!" Zion Kishima said happily.
"I've got a surprise for everyone!" Zino said as he reveals a hidden stash of fireworks.
"Well it's time to light them up." Athena said.
"Indeed." Creo said.
The fireworks were launched up the sky and lit up the night sky with it's lovely and brilliant colors.
"They're so beautiful and colorful." Athena said in awe.
"No kidding, they're quite stunning." Creo said as he looked up at the light show.
"History will remember this day. But more importantly, it will remember the people who made it possible." The Bookkeeper said.
As the festivities continued, Creo found a quiet moment by the village well, reflecting on their journey.
"King, wherever you may be now, I hope that you are now able to find peace, and I promise you this, your story won't be forgotten." Creo whispered to himself.
Athena approached to him, tapping his shoulder.
"There you are, everyone's been waiting for you, King of Elderith." Athena said.
"Come on, let's go." Athena said as she held Creo's hand.
"Alright then, if you say so." Creo chuckled as he was chasing after Athena.
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Meanwhile high above the clouds, in the heavens, a mysterious and solitary figure watched the celebration unfold. His very presence was serene yet commanding, his gaze thoughtful.
"Those heroes down there, they've done well, but their journey is far from over." The mysterious man said, smiling softly.
He turned his eyes to the horizon where the shadows of the future challenges loomed.
"Creo and the Dream Preservers guild...you are stronger together, remember that." The mysterious man continued.
All of a sudden, the mysterious man sensed someone else's presence as if somebody was behind him. The figure behind him was none other than...Lady Death herself.
"Well, I guess you've taken quite the interest on the King of Elderith, haven't you Ozzy or should I say...Ozymandias?" Lady Death said.
"I guess you could say that indeed, Death." Ozymandias said as he got up and walked towards Death.
Ozymandias appearance was of a young adult with black hair and golden eyes, he wore a white and gold god attire, he was mostly a serious and calm god.
"What brings you here by the way?" Ozymandias asked.
"Well, to tell you the truth I didn't came here alone." Lady Death said.
"Oh I see" Ozymandias said.
Standing behind Lady Death were five other celestial beings who came to discuss with Ozymandias.
One of them was Modikos, the god of control, standing tall and wore a blue and gold attire, gazing over Ozymandias with his blue and gold eyes.
The second of them was the Grim Reaper, Death's brother/assistant. He wore a dark, stylish noble attire, carrying his traditional scythe and wears a hat over his hat, accompanied by his crow.
The third was Life, Death's only little sister, she was resonating with bright aura, she had bright green hair, with an oxeye daisy over her head, yellow eyes and has a rebellious attitude.
The fourth was Resurrection, Death's step brother who had a mix of black and purple hair, and wore a dark purple and black gothic attire, he tends to be a private person.
The final god was Father Time, he had silver hair with glowing yellow eyes, holding an hourglass over his hand and wears a hood over his head.
"You're not the only one intrigued by that young man, Ozymandias." Modikos said.
"I've taken that you also got to know him as well, Modikos." Ozymandias said.
"Yup, he has potential, he has quite the fighting spirit." Modikos replied.
"To be honest, he was very intriguing for me in my opinion." Lady Death said.
"Well the future has a lot of things in store for him." Father Time replied.
"He's quite the mortal himself!" Resurrection said.
"Well, hope he's not quite the nuisance or I'll be adding him to the bucket list." Grim Reaper said.
"You tend to act negative all the time, don't you Grim?" Life replied.
"He has the potential to become the strongest in my opinion." Ozymandias said.
"Oh by the way, what do I do with those CHESS members that Creo and his team killed?" Lady Death asked.
"I'll handle it myself, Death." Ozymandias replied.
"Besides, there is always that popular saying..." Ozymandias said.
"A person is a villain in another person's story. But in reality, we are all heroes in our own story." Ozymandias concluded.
"Well I can hit you with something as well." Lady Death said.
"Life is short, live it to the fullest. It is not to be wasted as every second in life matters." Lady Death replied.
"Sister Death, I'll be going early, I feel a little tired." Life replied.
"Ok, you are allowed to go ahead." Lady Death replied.
*Life proceeds to return back to her domain to rest.*
"Well I'll be going back to my domain as well, just to make sure that everything is all under control if you know what I'm saying." Modikos said as he left the area.
"To be honest, that was a little corny for a pun." Lady Death said.
"Point made." Ozymandias said.
"If you don't need anything else big sis, then I'll go ahead and go back to Purgatory." Grim Reaper replied.
"Sure go ahead, I'm going to chat with Ozymandias here, a little longer." Death said.
*Grim Reaper proceeds to head back to Purgatory, armed with his scythe*
"I'll be going ahead as well, can't wait what's in store for that mortal." Father Time said.
"I'm going too as well, see you later, sis..." Resurrection said as he left.
It was Ozymandias and Lady Death left in the area, they continued to chat with one another until time passed.
"Well I'll be going now, I'm glad I stayed for a while, till next time Ozymandias." Lady Death replied.
"Farewell Lady Death." Ozymandias replied.
*Lady Death went back to Purgatory to assist with Grim Reaper*
Ozymandias suddenly began to notice the sky to start turning into a red hue and begin to rain blood red water and as he looked down, he saw something that made him excited.
"Well well well, I can't wait what's in store." Ozymandias chuckled.
"Good luck, Hero of Elderith." Ozymandias chuckled.