Despite waiting fifteen years for this moment, Celeste still couldn't wrap her head around it. Zant, a Twili who was not only a Royal Advisor with the highest-ranking magic across all of Twilight, but he had once been her instructor, someone she'd once looked up. And now, he had become much more. Though it was merely days ago she had visited his study on more than one occasion, their encounters had led to some interesting situations, and yet, despite the urgency in their lovemaking, even she could not drown out the horrid noises of the monsters outside the tower and the barrier above them.
While too embarrassed to meet his gaze, her arms encircled around his broad shoulders, she felt Zant's hips continue to move against her, all the while, her pants continued falling from her breath. At first, it had hurt but only slightly, but as she grew accustomed to his size, his speed fell into somewhat fast paced rhythm.
For the longest time, she often wondered what it would feel like to be intimate with a man, but she never imagined it quite like this. Thinking back on the day in his study when they were alone on his couch, they'd come so close to copulating, but on account of an unexpected interruption, it had been postponed until now. Zant's touch then and now felt similar and yet, it also felt quite different. This was no longer innocent foreplay, but it also wasn't a romanticized moment she'd dreamt of either.
"S-slow down…" She gasped, grasping his cloak tightly when she felt the tip of his member probe her deeply and none too gently.
"My apologies," He quickly replied, turning his head somewhat to look at her. "Have I hurt you?"
"No. I'm … fine."
To her relief, his pace slowed, and while his hand fondled her breast once more, Celeste closed her eyes. The way he touched her always excited her, sending goosebumps down every part of her body, and even as he toyed and pinched her pink buds, she felt absolutely weak at his touch. If only the kingdom hadn't collapsed, then things could have been different.
Maybe she had acted too quickly, despite the urgency to escape, but there was no telling what would happen to her or Zant in the future. Celeste didn't want any regrets, and she was sure Zant didn't either. After all, this could very well be their last moment together, as painful as it was to think about.
Something warm filled her lower abdomen, the feeling rising with each thrust, coupled with the sounds of their lovemaking; it felt so good. So good in fact, she felt perspiration build upon her brow and cheeks.
"Celeste…"
"Mm … yes?"
"I'm afraid I'm almost at my limit…" He replied with the barest of thrusts. "If I go any further…"
But she only tightened her legs around him. "Don't stop. I want this. I want you, Zant."
"Celeste…"
"I've always wanted this…"
And just like that, Celeste found her back pressed firmly against the wall, but his thrusts had paused unexpectedly. Instead, something strange happened, and she heard Zant mutter an enchantment beneath his breath. But before she could question why he had chosen such a time to perform magic, she was taken aback when she felt his length unexpectedly expand inside her, stretching her walls.
A gasp fell from her lips at the pressure, at the sensation of his erect member moving inside her ever so slowly; it felt different, more ribbed than before, and dare she admit it, but it felt as though he had penetrated much further than she would have anticipated. The very momentum, coupled with his thrusts caused her body to convulse in a way she never dreamed, and as much as it embarrassed her, she felt her cheeks flush at the noises falling from her breath.
Zant had used an enchantment on himself, and the very thought left her speechless and dazed. In a way, it was fascinating he could use his powers in other ways than simply through battle, medicine and even through menial tasks. This however, took it to a completely new level. Since when had he started using magic on himself?
"How does it feel, Celeste?" He inquired in her ear, his hand fondling her breast once more.
"H-how?" She gasped, arms bound around his shoulders, her legs circling his waist.
Zant chuckled. "It's only a simple spell. In truth, I'd almost forgotten I'd crafted it," He replied. "Though we are short on time, I can at least offer this much, so that both our needs our satisfied."
"Zant…" She moaned.
"Celeste. I won't hold back anymore," He exclaimed, whispering into her ear. "You are my person. You've always been…"
Though his words warmed her cheeks and sent a rush of giddiness through her entire being, at the same time, she felt completely at his mercy. His touch, his thrusts, already she was so close reaching her climax, but he'd only just started. Despite the monstrous noises from above and outside the fortitude, Celeste was lost in the moment, her hips trembling as he moved against her, his long and slender fingers teasing and pinching her buds with each squeeze.
It felt like minutes on end, and Zant was relentless, his renewed vigor nearly sending her over the edge. Celeste was at her limit, clenching his overcoat and moaning his name, her own hips trying in earnest to meet his thrusts; that feeling was building further and further, and she was on the brink of exploding.
Just as she noticed the outer corners of her eyes darkening, she felt her climax overpower her. On their own accord, her hips moved against Zant's thrusts, that flood of warmth spreading throughout her entire lower abdomen, and it was incredible. And just as she finished, out of breath and panting from their lovemaking, she felt Zant hands grasp her thighs and pull her closer against him, and it was then that she gasped.
Something warm filled her, the feeling strange and indescribable, but her thoughts were too caught up in the moment, her lips suddenly captured by his in a searing and dominant kiss. Of course, she wasn't naïve to the situation, in fact, she was quite aware of the risks of their love-making, but she wanted this, just as he did.
"I won't let you forget me, Celeste," He spoke huskily, his forehead pressed against hers. "One way or another, I'll bring you back safely, once this is all over…"
Celeste nodded, relishing in his touch, his hand squeezing her breast and playfully teasing her bud. Leaning forward, she kissed him once more, Zant's hips moving against hers once again until soon enough they both felt their climax, and although her legs trembled around his waist, it wasn't long before she felt his seed fill her once more, his member throbbing deep inside.
Sweat glistened from Zant's cheek, and Celeste could feel her own perspiration from all parts of her body. Most of all, she could feel the heated moisture from between her legs, the feeling slippery and pleasurable, but she didn't want to pull away from him. If only for a moment, she wanted to keep their embrace, for she feared she'd never see him again.
"As much as I would love to continue our love making, we are short on time, Celeste," He suddenly spoke.
A little embarrassed, she nodded, and as he settled her down onto her feet, she turned and quickly fixed her attire, closing up the bodice of her dress before smoothing out the ruffles in her gown. Despite the obvious and uncomfortable feeling between her thighs, she ignored it; there was nothing to clean herself or Zant for that matter, and a noticeable flush covered her cheeks.
But as she kept her back towards him, quite flustered still, she felt his hand snake around her waist and pull her towards him moments after, turning her until her lips met his. When he pulled away, she felt weak at the knees, and taking a few steps away in hopes of calming her drumming heartbeat, her hand touched something rough, and glancing behind her, she noticed she her back leaning against the mirror.
To her morbid disbelief and utter fascination, a light shimmered from the reflective surface, so bright and fierce, that it urged Zant to quickly inspect it. "It's…"
"Celeste, you activated it!" He announced, smiling from ear to ear. "It must have been your touch that did it."
Really? It was her touch that brought the mirror back to life? But how was that possible? Curious, she approached the large object, staring upon hers and Zant's reflection, but as she stared at it, she couldn't help but fathom the situation. "I guess … that was easy?"
Ever so delicately, she pressed her fingers against the smooth surface of the glass, but it felt solid at her touch. It seemed no more than an ordinary mirror, despite the spell surrounding it. "Nothing is happening."
"That's strange," Zant mused, a hand to his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps something else must happen…"
As Zant moved behind the mirror, examining every inch curiously, touching every part, Celeste squinted her gaze at her reflection. Again, she touched the glass, sliding her index finger up and down and then into small circles. It still felt solid, but as her finger glided upon its surface, she couldn't help but notice the trail of dust that followed.
Attempting to wipe it free with the palm of her hand, something unexpected happened. There was a ripple in the glass, as though it were nothing more than water, and then, to her utter astonishment, her hand fazed through the mirror entirely. "It went through!"
Surprised by this, Zant rounded the mirror and stood beside her, observing the sight with deep interest before also touching the mirror. But unlike Celeste, his hand did not faze through, no matter how many times he tried. "It's just as I thought…"
"What?"
"It seems only you can cross through, Celeste. The mirror does not allow me."
Pulling her hand free from the ripples now surrounding her wrist, she turned to him, immediately panicked by the very thought. "No. I can't go alone. There's no telling what's on the other side. What will happen to you?" She questioned, but he only sighed, moving a hand to his temple. "No, I refuse to leave you behind."
"There's no choice. You'll have to go without me, Celeste," His large hands found her shoulders, and he sent her a reassuring smile. "Have faith that we will see each other again."
"But Zant…"
And then, before Celeste could turn back to the mirror, with Zant urging her to take that first step, something happened. The sound of a horn shrilled in the late evening of Twilight, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, and then, without any notice, the breath was knocked out of her with Zant shielding her on the ground.
Aqua eyes caught sight of another monstrous bird overhead the large opening of the fortitude, its horrid gleaming eyes staring back at her and its lengthy black feathered wings creating currents of gusts all around; it was far larger than the ones that had chased them earlier, and she became fearful. But as this beast circled overhead, she realized there was a figure seated upon its back, looking back at them with crimson eyes.
"Who…" Celeste gasped, squinting through the darkness, but as her vision adjusted, she made out familiar olive skin and crimson eyes and the golden jeweled crown atop his mane of red hair. All at once, she felt genuine fear and anger at the mere sight of him, so much that it left her skin crawling with anticipation. It was that man, that murderer! The very person who had claimed the lives of many innocents back at the castle!
"Damn," Zant cursed, pulling her back to her feet and shielding her. "I wasn't expecting he'd follow…"
"Now what?"
But before Zant could answer, she was suddenly pulled to the side, once again falling onto her knees as the giant bird swooped down with its large talons. Had Zant not reacted in time and evaded the attack, that monster might have carried them off, if not struck them. And then, a cackle manifested from that figure moments after, the bird once more circling above.
"Stay back, Celeste."
As instructed, she sought shelter beneath part of the ceiling which had yet to crumble, a little behind the mirror as she watched Zant remain in the open; he was prepared to fight, and she held her breath. And while his magic manifested in both hands, his entire body emitting his strong aura, Celeste heard the familiar sounds of monstrous voices near. Where was it coming from?
Suddenly, the doors which had been sealed moments before suddenly flew open across the way, and noticing the sight of two large goblins saunter inside, clubs in hand, she searched for something to defend herself. But as soon as she noticed one charge Zant, she cried out. "Watch out!"
In an instant, Zant reacted, and with a flare of his powers emitting from his hand, he struck down the creature and hurdled the other through the fortitude's wall until it all but crashed through the stone. Unfortunately, Zant had not anticipated the figure above to crash down mere feet in front of him, and taken off guard for just a split second, that man's fist propelled him into one of the pillars.
"Zant!" She cried.
To her relief, he'd only fallen to one knee, but he soon regained his standing, both he and this horrid man fighting in a clash of magic against sword. Although there was nothing she could do at this moment but watch the battle, she realized there was no point in hiding, not when she could somehow help Zant, but the last thing she wanted to do was get in his way. What did that man want? Why did he decimate the entire castle?
As she sidled against the wall, looking for some kind of opportunity to throw that person off guard and give Zant a chance to overpower him, Celeste heard strange cackling somewhere nearby, and chancing a glance above, she was relieved the twilight skies were clear of any monsters, besides the circling monstrosity. So long as she kept out of range, she would remain safe.
But that cackling, accompanied by unpleasant snorts was definitely somewhere, and the longer she remained there, listening, she soon realized it was coming from below. In an instant she turned, grasping onto low rising wall of the broken structure and peered below. Just as she thought! Those vile Bokoblins were climbing the tower!
Quickly glancing around, she spotted a few large stones, most of which had crumbled from what used to be the ceiling of this fortitude and began unashamedly tossing them at the monsters. To her relief, most had fallen from the immense height, but there was still two more unaffected.
"Get away, you horrid beasts!" She shouted, but they only snorted in response, yelling at her in their unclear language.
One after another, they knocked those jagged stones out of reach, and just as they were soon close to closing the distance, Celeste moved away, once more searching for something to defend herself. Although rocks were against her at this moment, there was something else she spotted, and that something happened to be a very long piece of wood jutted out from one of the barrels in the room.
Without delay, she pulled said wood from the barrel, using her foot to press down until it snapped. And then, just as those two Bokoblins were one leg raised over the wall, she swung. The first had not anticipated the direct impact, and soon fell from the tower, and the second one barely managed to avoid a head on collision before rolling onto the ground at her feet, but before she could deliver a blow, it caught her ankle and pulled her effortlessly onto her back.
"Celeste!" Zant hollered a distance away, still preoccupied against their attacker.
"Get off me!" She screamed.
The disgusting creature had seized her arm holding the plank, as well as her other arm, and pinned her to the ground without remorse. Relentlessly, she kicked and writhed beneath it, its foul breath fanning her face as it cackled. And then, to her mortification, it procured a long coil of rope from its side, fully intending to tie her wrists and likely kidnap her.
But its endeavors were immediately halted when several spears of flaming magic struck it without remorse, and relieved Zant had saved her, she quickly backed away as the Bokoblin burst into flame, until it was nothing more than a pile of ash, swept away by the wind. And then, a barrier erected itself around her, and all she could do at this moment was watch him fight against their attacker.
"I'm surprised you and the girl made it this far, but this is as far as you go," His deep voice resonated loudly.
"Who exactly are you?! What is it that you want?!" Zant inquired angrily, avoiding the swinging blade from right and left.
"I want out of this world, and you're going to help me," He answered with the utter most confidence.
As his sword pierced the stone wall behind Zant, a few inches from his face, Zant somehow managed to jump out reach, rolling suddenly before tossing several spears of magic, but his magic did little to faze his attacker. "Like hell I will!"
With a flip of his cape, he paused before Zant, smirking. "I saw you in the competition. How great your powers were. That alone will open the portal."
"You're a fool," Zant merely replied. "Not even my own can power the mirror. You've wasted your time chasing us."
A maniacal laugh escaped him just then, and he threw his head back with obvious amusement; truthfully, it was unsettling. "I am not foolish, boy. I can sense the power surrounding you. Now, give it up and we can come to a reasonable exchange."
Zant's eyes narrowed distrustfully. "Exchange… I have no reason to believe the words of a monster!"
"Then perhaps you ought to look at your own reflection. You're no different than me."
Without even the faintest pause, the barrier which had moments before shrouded Celeste immediately dissipated and despite her confusion by this turn of events, she watched with morbid fascination as it surrounded the giant of a man. "Zant? What are you doing?!"
But he held up that barrier, enough that it managed to freeze this terror in place, and unable to move from his position, Zant sent Celeste the barest of looks, nodding his head away from them. "Go quickly! Into the mirror!"
"What?!" The man growled with great disdain, his head nearly snapping to glance back at her startled form.
Celeste was even more stunned by his words, unable to decide between loyalty or simply to save her own hide. But Zant's stare was fierce; he was determined to settle things here and now, and she realized even she posed as a great distraction. That's right. Only she could enter into the other world; Zant did not possess the power strong enough to follow after her, so of course it made sense, but leaving him behind like this, she became hesitant.
"Go!"
The tone in his voice was enough to spur her into action, and without even a word, besides the tears glistening in her eyes, she fled to the mirror, barely glimpsing that man's form which had suddenly broke through Zant's barrier. The moment her hands connected with the rim of the bronze mirror, she found that the glass was solid and unyielding. "Hurry! Open up! Let me pass!"
But a noise from behind her caused her to glance back, and to her mortification, she found Zant caught in that man's grasp, choking him without remorse, and those crimson eyes of burning fire were staring her down. Celeste shivered, her fingernails now scraping against the smooth surface of the mirror, her thoughts pleading for Zant's safety. "Zant…"
"So, it was the girl all along who I sensed?" He stated firmly.
"Ce-les-te…" Zant gasped, one eye looking back at her, the other closed as he fought to catch his own breath, the magic surrounding his hands fiercely torching his attacker, but proved futile.
The color green emitted from her fingers just then, the faintest of light enough to turn her attention back to the mirror. This light poured into the reflective surface before her and then to the symbol carved throughout the entirety of the mirror, but the mere sight left her stunned, nearly speechless; Zant had been right all along; she did possess a strange power, but what was it exactly?
"This-is … where-… your eff-orts … end!" Zant choked, his face paling, both eyes glowering.
"No, boy. This is where yours ends."
And then Celeste felt it, the familiar rippling of water at her fingertips, the solidity of the mirror immediately falling at her touch; it had opened, the gateway to the other world! Just as her hands fazed through, something unexpectedly reached for her from within, something unseeing, but it did not pull her, instead, it held her hands in such a comforting fashion, squeezing her reassuringly.
Before she could question its mere existence and whether or not it was a messenger who would guide her to the other realm, she heard something collapse behind her. The moment she glanced back, her anxiousness warning her not to, she saw Zant, lying unmoving. There was no time to react, no time to cry out his name, because seconds after she looked away, that man charged at her.
Just before his large hands to reach out for her, those mysterious hand quickly pulled her forward and into the mirror, and the protective glass suddenly hardening behind her. After which, she heard the sound of his fist collide against the glass. It was strange, the sounds she heard inside; it was like a humming in everlasting darkness, that man's growl so distant and shuddering. But no matter how far she squinted through the darkness, she could not see whose hands those belonged to, the hands which gently held her shoulders.
Despite feeling tranquil and safe, the thought of Zant's fate frightened her, and she turned once more to look out of the glass. "Zant … please no … wake up…" But she was too afraid to press her hands against the glass, too afraid that man would find his way after her. If she did possess some mysterious power, then couldn't it do something to prevent all of this from happening? "Zant!"
Those crimson eyes glowered back at her, but he seemed to understand those words she cried because the next thing she saw was him turn away and stalk towards the fallen body of her lover, his sword clenched tightly in hand.
"No! Stay away from him! Zant, get up!"
It was no use. He was unmoving, unaware of what would soon pass. As though she could somehow thwart that man's efforts to harm Zant, Celeste pounded against the glass, hoping it would reopen for her, hoping that some measure of power would throw that person aside and off the entirety of the structure, but the mirror did not yield. Instead, she watched, with tears streaming down her cheeks, as that monster raised his blade, until blood spilled around his feet, seeping from the wound through Zant's chest.
As though to warn her she would soon be next, he turned with a maniacal smirk, her sobs barely heard from the other side. But just before she could crumble entirely, those mysterious hands, which had remained upon her shoulders, pulled her deeper into the abyss.
'Zant … please, don't die…'
Author Notice: (2023 Update)
This wraps up the entire prologue! :D
So... originally this story was written by me and an old friend of mine, and I had plans to discontinue writing it, but I've been feeling pretty motivated to continue it lately, and I will follow the game on this one. Expect shorter chapters from this point on, and eventually I'll upload and Audio Reading of this onto YouTube. :3 Sorry for the long delay in updating!
