Into the Labyrinth
#1 of The Labyrinth
Written by
Commissioned by gotommax
Edited by SerathinOur world was once one of infinite wonder. It was a world of creatures; spirits, deities and magic... until the humans grew up and lo longer had a need for those that they had worshiped. Dejected, cast out and forgotten, those deities traveled to a new realm and began anew. Learning from their past mistakes, they reshaped the new land into a second civilization. These are the tales of that land.
This is the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, taking place in a separate dimension. Consider it a second attempt by the gods, but things turn out different than anyone could expect.
Into the Labyrinth Commissioned by Gotommax Written by Leo_Todrius Edited by Serathin
Sunlight showered across the land of Crete, causing the crickets and bugs to chirp while palm fronds swayed in the breeze. The natural sounds accompanied the clomping of hooves as a single horse traveled the road with its rider. It was a hot day and few traveled at that hour, few but Theseus. Compared to traveling past six entrances to the underworld, a hot day was absolutely no challenge at all, especially for the son of Poseidon. At the age of twenty, Theseus had already claimed great prestige as a prince, but he wanted more than prestige. He wanted justice for the world. It had been many years since the war between Crete and Athens, but still the victorious King Minos demanded seven men and seven young men and seven young women to be sent to Crete as sacrifice.... It was a barbaric tradition, one that Theseus could not stand.
His short brown hair fluttered in the slight breeze, but not nearly so much as his red garments. It was a garment made of the finest Troezen cloth. At his side was his human father's sword and on his feet the sandals of a king. They were the only tokens he had left of either father, but it had been his mother that left him with his strength of character, dedication and justice. It was for that reason that he knew he must slay the foul beast of Knossis... the minotaur he kept trapped in a labyrinth.
As Theseus continued along his path, he heard the distant sound of music. He brought his heels into the ribs of his horse, encouraging a faster pace. Theseus was carried along the road much faster before he emerged from the canopy of trees, seeing the borders of Knossis. The capital of Crete was impressive to say the least. Vast aqueducts brought in water from the hills, the farms were well regulated and the buildings had been laid out in such order that the king surely had consulted a profit. Sitting in the center of it all, however, was the palace. Theseus brought his horse around and started to navigate the city streets, heading through the city toward the palace in the distance.
****
Music filled the vast courtyard, the white and black marble stones alternating to create a vast checkerboard pattern. Musicians played and the fourteen sacrifices danced around for the king's pleasure. The girls wore dresses of the finest white silk while the boys wore simple togas. They were young, ranging from fourteen to nineteen. Their steps were lively but their faces were hollow, knowing what terrible fate awaited them. The dance grounds had been created by Daedalus, just as the labyrinth had been. Even know Daedalus sat off to one side, his shoulders slumped, a chalice of wine in his hand. He had designed the labyrinth to trap the minotaur until it starved to death, but the king had kept it alive with human sacrifices and Daedalus felt responsible for it all. The man turned and gazed up with hazel eyes at the upper level where the king resided, watching over it all.
The upper level balcony overlooked the dance grounds and the labyrinth beyond. It also was decorated with the finest golds, stones and cloths. Minos sat atop a bejeweled throne gilded from base to tip with fine gold. He was a man, by legend, in his eighties, but by magic or sustenance he looked to be only forty, perhaps fifty at the most. A coronet of ivy rested on his head, his black curled hair flowing down his neck. A fine, thick beard hung from his face and his eyes were the color of steel. His robes were the finest purple in all the land, a sign of his royalty.
Sitting at the king's side was Princess Phaedra. The young woman was lovely, tall and willowy with round hips and an ample chest. Her skin was as pale as marble and as soft as cream, while her hair was long and brown like silk spun by the gods. She was the most sought after woman in Crete, but she had turned down every suitor her father had arranged for her. While Minos had no qualms sending teenagers to their death at the hands of a minotaur, he seemed surprisingly weak willed when it came to his daughter... at least for her suitor. He had demanded her presence at the celebrations and she sat where she was supposed tor, but her eyes remained shut in protest. She did not look upon the souls that were to die, or her father. The curse of sight was far too great.
The atmosphere was one of melancholy, of quiet despair and silenced rage. The sacrifices danced only for supplies and to avoid being beaten before facing the minotaur. They knew they had to keep their strength about them for the coming challenge, for only emerging with the head of the minotaur could they achieve their survival. It was a long shot, but they had hope... and hope was all that could keep them alive. It was a futile hope. But while most of the king's court felt poisoned by that false hope, there was one that seemed to feed on it. Standing back in the shadows of the palace archways was King Minos' personal seer... and all seers were unlike any other creatures in the sights of Mount Olympus.
Dark silver robes cloaked the seer, reflecting the sun away from him. The thick, long hood protected his pale blue skin from the light and solid black eyes gazed out at those gathered. His lips were thin and flat, his ears were pointed and his nose was insubstantial, almost snake like. While his appearance was enough to frighten any child, adults came to expect the seers' strange existence as a part of life. The gods had presented them as a gift to mankind and the humans gladly accepted. They did not know the seer's true purpose, to guide and shape humanity so they never grew out of the need for gods. The seers were ever watchful, ever present. They had been taught the legends of the first land and told to ensure different outcomes were reached with the same individuals... and today would be very important to see if Minos' seer had succeeded in his test.
Without warning, the distant neigh of a horse echoed above the music before the magnificent white creature lunged over the tall ivy walls of the castle garden. A gasp passed over the lips of the gathered crowd and the sacrifices stopped where they were. The court attendant rushed forward, chastising them, telling them to resume... but they were far too distracted. Minos slowly rose to his feet, watching the rider approach on his steed. Guards in copper and purple armor moved to intercept the intruder, but the sun glinted off of Theseus's sword as he evaded them.
The music became discordant before coming to a stop as even the musicians watched the disruption. Theseus charged, using his sword to deflect the spears coming his way before lunging over the last guard. He rounded one of the many skylights to the labyrinth before his horse trotted through the reflecting pools and to the lowest steps of the palace courtyard. Minos gritted his teeth, his hands balling into fists.
"Who dares show such impertinence to the king of Crete?" Minos bellowed out.
"I am Theseus, son of Aethra." Theseus called out. Minos let out a long chuckle.
"Aethra is a woman's name." Minos barked.
"It is the name of a queen." Theseus replied. Minos stopped laughing, taking a slow breath.
"A prince should no better than to intrude upon the dominion of another royal." Minos said.
"A prince is honor-bound to fight injustice, wherever it may be." Theseus called back. The crowd let out a soft gasp, looking between Minos and Theseus.
"Then, brave prince, do you plan to thwart me? To stop the sacrifices? Will you walk up and attempt to slay the king in his own courtyard?" Minos asked. Theseus shook his head.
"I will volunteer in the place of the sacrifices; I will volunteer to fight the minotaur." Theseus said. The king slowly let a grin cross his lips.
"You cannot volunteer in the place of all the sacrifices... but, out of the goodness of my heart, I will-" Minos was interrupted as the seer appeared at his side. There were many murmurs as no one had seen the man move from his position in the archway, only appearing at his new destination.
"My King, thissss is foolhardy. You musssstn't let Thessssseussss into the labyrinth. It... would be unwisssse." The seer cautioned him. Minos glared gently at the seer, turning.
"He challenges me in open defiance; he must be a symbol to the people of how unwise that is." Minos said. The seer tensed.
"If you sssend him in to be eaten by the minotaur, he will be victoriousssss." The seer growled. Minos slowly smiled.
"Then we simply won't send him in to be eaten." Minos said, gazing into the black orbs the seer had for eyes. The seer tilted his head before gently smiling, showing fanged teeth. Minos turned to face Theseus again, taking a breath so his voice would carry, "Prince Theseus, you may select one male sacrifice to take the place of. You, like them, will be prepared for your journey into the labyrinth to face your destiny as an honorary son of Athens. Is this acceptable?" Minos asked. Theseus looked up at Minos before he nodded.
"It is." Theseus replied. As the words left his mouth, he noticed movement on the balcony as Phaedra opened her eyes. They sparkled an azure blue like the most temperate of seas. Theseus and Phaedra met eyes, exchanging a long glance across the courtyard before Theseus moved forward toward the ring of sacrifices. The women stepped back, some because they sadly knew that Theseus could not take their place while others wanted to get a better look at the hero that had come from such a distant land. Meanwhile the teenage boys trembled gently at the prospect of not being chosen. Theseus found it a terrible burden to be forced to choose, but his eyes came across a boy of no more than fourteen. His blonde hair was as soft as the down of a baby duckling and his face was so fair.
"What is your name young one?" Theseus asked. The boy looked up gently.
"I am called Zen." The teenager replied. Theseus reached out and rested his hand on Zen's shoulder.
"Zen, I will take your place as sacrifice, and by my word you will see your homeland again." Theseus replied. Zen trembled gently before he rushed forward and hugged Theseus around the waist, pressing his face to the older youth's chest.
"I thank you for the offer, but there are so many more worthy than I to be spared. Please..." Zen whispered. Theseus pulled Zen back and looked down into his blue eyes.
"I will fight the minotaur to spare them all; you will not be the only one I save this day." Theseus said. Zen took a breath before he nodded, accepting the offer. Theseus clapped his hand upon the boy's shoulder before he turned, looking to the king. The king gazed back down with some disgruntled anxiety before he clapped his hands together.
"Resume the celebration!" he ordered. In seconds the music was back to playing and the sacrifices fell back into their forced dance while the king's court watched on. Theseus did his best to mimic the dances of the others, though his eyes never left the king's. While Theseus stared down Minos, both Daedalus and Phaedra looked to the hero that had wandered into their midst, the one that could change everything...
****
Night had fallen across the palace, leaving the only light to come from torches, lamps and candles. The pale light glittered across the vast stone bath fed by hot springs. It was one of the smallest in the palace and had been designated as the bath for the male sacrifices, though it still had enough room for up to ten males at a time. The pool rested at the base of stone stairs leading up to a hallway and the bedroom for the sacrifices beyond. It was one night of hospitality before their 'sacrifice' in the morning. The doors from the bed chambers opened and Theseus moved out, wearing only the white toga of the sacrifices. He crossed the hall and moved down the stairs, removing the wraps from his body. The two males already in the pool looked up as Theseus disrobed. His pectorals were thick, his abdomen well toned. The last of the cloths came undone, revealing his thick brown bush and his long, uncut manhood. Theseus walked down into the pond, sinking into the water, bowing his head to the other males before he settled into the water. The brown haired eighteen year old looked Theseus over. "That was a brave thing you did for Zen... for all of us in a way." He said. Theseus nodded. "I will do my best to save you all." Theseus said. "You may win more than just our lives." The other said. Theseus tilted his head. "To what do you speak?" Theseus asked. The man smirked and indicated upwards. Theseus slowly looked up and spotted Phaedra peering down from the balcony of her room in an upper level. Having been spotted, Phaedra blushed and moved back behind the curtain of her bed chambers. "She is the king's daughter?" Theseus asked the others. "Phaedra, and she deplores the sacrifices. They said she dare not cast her eyes upon those who are about to die, but when you arrived she opened them... She looked at us all. It is a very good omen." The eighteen year old grinned. "Perhaps it is..." Theseus said, starting to cup the water in his hands, washing it over himself to get the grime of his travels off, leaning back until he was shoulder to shoulder with the other sacrifices.
****
Moonlight shone down through the metal lattice grates that spanned the great labyrinth ceiling. Air and light was let in at even intervals, though the long corridors were all the same as the next, the branching maze impossible to navigate... at least for ordinary mortals. Soft, webbed blue feet padded across the grass as the seer moved through the night. His pale blue skin almost glowed as he moved while he held out a clawed, webbed hand as he navigated. He drew himself closer and closer before he stopped, comig to one of the grates. He leaned down in an inhuman crouch, his lips coming close to the metal.
"Asterion..." The seer called out into the darkness. There was a heavy snort through leathery nostrils as a massive figure moved in the darkness below.
"Who dares speak my name?" The Minotaur's voice called out like gravel and oil all mixed together. The seer grinned.
"I am Toranidor... and I come with words from the gods and the king." The seer said. The Minotaur snorted.
"Neither of which are likely to help me. For decades have I been trapped in this place, fed tiny scraps of human flesh, cursed to live in darkness. What do the gods want of me?" Asterion grunted. The seer smiled.
"The gods... wish you to become their herald, to save them from a foul creature." The seer whispered.
"What creature is fouler than me?" The minotaur asked.
"Hope." The seer said simply, "Hope is the path to human freedom, and the gods will have none of that. A half-breed will enter your labyrinth with the sacrifices in the morning, Theseus. He is not like the others. He is brave, courageous, daring. If he becomes a hero to the people, more will rise up like him and advance humanity." The seer warned.
"What is it you want me to do?" the minotaur asked, "If you wanted me to kill him then there would be no need for this talk."
"Quite right." The seer nodded, "I sssspeak to you for your own ssssafety as well as ourssss. In the old world Thesssseusssss killed you, carried your head off to king Minossss. You cannot fight him directly, you mussssst ussssse other methodsssss." The seer said.
"What do you propose?" the minotaur asked, gazing up at the seer. The seer's mouth only widened into an even larger fang filled grin.
****
The sun had not yet risen, but the sacrifices had been roused from their slumber. Their silk vestments had been collected and in their place were much cheaper clothes. The females had huddled in a corner, their garb barely hiding their modesty. It was clear that they were intended as a very different kind of sacrifice to the minotaur, but the men wore little more than pants and tunics. Theseus watched the others prepare, trying to cope. It was an unfair burden. They were barely old enough to join the royal army, let alone fight beasts of netherworlds.
"Theseus..." came a soft voice from nearby. Theseus turned to see the bearded man from the court, standing off to one side. Daedalus looked nervous to be present, but had convinced himself to be anyhow.
"What is it?" Theseus asked.
"The princess has requested your company for a moment." Daedalus said. Theseus smirked gently.
"Only a moment, she must not know of my prowess." Theseus said jokingly before he sobered, "why you? Why not have some guard deliver the message?"
"No guard would dare cross Minos' will, but I hate this process just as much as she does. I want it to be over. You are the only hope the princess and I have." Daedalus said softly. Theseus hardened a bit.
"Many in Crete sit idly by while their king runs mad with power. What makes you different?" Theseus asked. Daedalus paused.
"I have a son... Icarus. If he were in Athens, they could send him as sacrifice... and because the labyrinth was designed by me to trap the beast, but Minos has turned it into a tribute to his glory." Daedalus murmured.
"Then you know the path through?" Theseus asked softly. Daedalus shook his head.
"The path is so uncertain that I barely escaped it after its completion... No man could remember such a pattern in his head. The labyrinth must be defeated by more cunning methods.... but enough of this, the princess waits." Daedalus said, looking both ways before leading Theseus out of the room and across the hallway. He opened the door and Theseus moved in, turning to see Phaedra there. Phaedra grinned gently. Theseus bowed low.
"Princess, an honor." Theseus greeted.
"The honor is mine, champion. No one has before offered to challenge the minotaur, let alone to take the place of a sacrifice." Phaedra said, moving up. She reached out and lifted Theseus's chin with her hand until they gazed into one another's eyes.
"What would you have me do?" Theseus asked softly, spell bound by her beauty.
"I would only have you do what you came here to do. Kill the minotaur." Phaedra said.
"And in this moment?" Theseus asked, almost disappointed it had not been innuendo for something more lewd. Phaedra smirked.
"In this moment, take my gift to help you on your way." Phaedra said, pulling out a spool of fine thread. The spool was thick; it had to be an incredible length of material.
"The more cunning method Daedalus spoke of..." Theseus whispered. Phaedra leaned in and kissed the champion softly, their lips entwining. Theseus brought his hand to the back of her head, holding her in place as they kissed before a thump down the hallway startled her. She pulled back, blushing.
"You must go." She whispered.
"I'll be back." Theseus said, moving for the door. He squeezed out and Daedalus got him across the hall and back into the room with the others before the guards returned. The door was locked and Theseus was left with a very large grin, quite proud of his accomplishments. He tucked the spool of threat into his tunic where it would assist him in his coming challenges.
****
The morning of the challenge had come. The sun had risen and the Cretian peoples had gathered. A vast field as large of the palace sat over the labyrinth, leaving only the air holes to light the way beneath. The sacrifices had been lowered down at equidistant points, locked in with the minotaur, to wander aimlessly through the maze before being eaten... or worse. The chatter of the people was quite palpable, though as the king and his seer emerged from the palace, everyone grew quiet.
King Minos took his throne and settled down, basking in the sunlight and the reverence of his people. The seer moved up behind him before he held out his hands. His sleeves rippled before dozens of small glass spheres shot out through the air, floating across the field, floating above the air vents. The sunlight shimmered through the glass before images of the tunnels appeared against the ground, distorted only slightly by the grass it was projected on. A murmur of awe at the seer's magic captivated the people. One larger sphere was set out before the king, the sun backlighting the image and projecting it onto the ground before him so that he could see into the caves as well. The image resolved on Theseus where he had been lowered, standing behind a metal grate, his father's sword by his side.
"Greetings, one and all!" Minos called out, his voice carrying. The crowd grew quiet, listening to the king. Minos puffed up his chest a bit. "We are gathered today to celebrate our victory over the Athenian forces. By the blessings of the spirits and gods, we were victorious and they know now never to challenge us again. But we were victorious over far more than just our fellow man. Our greatest engineers have trapped the foulest of beasts deep in this labyrinth. We have triumphed over every challenge to face us, and now... the fruit of our labors. Send them into the labyrinth!" Minos declared.
Below ground, the metal grates pulled up, letting the sacrifices loose into the maze. While some hesitated in their starting position, Theseus moved directly out. His face was tight with purpose, with dedication. He had to find the minotaur and slay it before any of the others fell. He had to save them all and present its head to Minos as a sign that the king's tyranny was over. Theseus pushed through the tunnels, his eyes adapting to the darkness steadily. He paused before he pulled out his spool of thread, moving back a few paces to tie it to his starting point. With that in place, he began walking again, the thread slowly unwinding as he moved.
Theseus made it almost thirty yards before he approached the first pillar of light. He peered up through the vent to see the eager faces of the Cretian peoples. Theseus grunted in disgust before moving on, leaving them to their disgusting spectations. Above ground, the projected images showed many different images to the people. Some watched the young women navigating through the labyrinth, looking for each other or a place to hide or a way out. Other studied the advancing males... but a shocked gasp from one cluster of individuals came as they set their sights on the Minotaur for the first time.
Asterion charged through the tunnels, heading out from the center of the labyrinth. Hooves the size of dinner plates stomped down, his legs as thick as tree trunks and covered in thick brownish-gray fur. The creature stood at eight feet tall and his shoulders were almost as wide as the tunnels themselves. His furry chest was well built, his loin cloth barely concealed his drooling member, but the most defining feature of all was his massive, very animal bull head. Two long, slightly curved horns pushed forward out of his head and his lips were leathery. His nostrils were very cow like as he used his muzzle to sniff the air, his heart racing.
The minotaur knew his duty, what he would do to Theseus, but he was so hungry. It had been years since his last good meal. Even as intelligent as he was, he was still driven by instincts. His hooves stomped down the narrow corridors as he inhaled deeper and deeper. He could smell something delicious; purity, innocence, youth. Asterion moaned in bliss, picking up the pace. His thick cow cock hardened with anticipation before he rounded the corner and let out a bellow.
The girl he had found screamed, backing up against the wall. Above ground, two clusters of spectators watched, expecting to see the beast do vile and sundry things to her. They shuddered in shock upon seeing how quickly he ended her. Some were shocked, others cheered. With striking efficiency the Minotaur satiated his hunger as best he could before he was on the move again, looking for his next target. Minos grinned in great delight where he sat, feeling as proud and boastful as ever. The seer, however, was much tenser. Asterion was reacting like a blunt animal. If he wasn't more careful, history was going to repeat itself and the seer would not be given a second chance. Regardless of the reason, all eyes on the surface were focused on the glass orbs and their projections, taking in every action.
****
Time ticked by, moment by moment. Theseus had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like an eternity. He had started to sweat a bit, the moisture collecting in his curly brown hair. His eyes scanned the darkness as he rounded another corner but he paused, looking ahead. At the end of the hallway before him was the thread, blocking off the path he had already passed. Even in the darkest parts of the labyrinth, it caught the faint sunlight and carried it, giving the thread a faint blue glow. Theseus turned, heading a new direction. He could tell he was getting deeper into the maze. The air was hotter and moister, carrying earthy scents.
Theseus thought of everything he had already faced, from the vilest monsters to his step mother trying to poison him. He'd survived it all, he'd triumphed and he was going to triumph again, for Zen and for everything that needed a good defense... and for Phaedra. His heart fluttered a bit as he thought of the kiss they had shared and how lovely she was. Theseus murmured softly, feeling aroused. He breathed deeper and began to sweat a bit more as blood rushed to his member.
Theseus thought how he would do it for her... when her father was dethroned, he could marry Phaedra, give her a truly good life... but it wasn't yet time to imagine himself on the throne, he had a task to do. Theseus paused, looking ahead as he saw the thread. He looked left and saw it as well. The labyrinth was getting more complicated. He grimaced and turned right, heading the only direction he had not yet already gone. He ventured forward, heading through the darkness, plotting his justice all the while.
****
Soft pants escaped Kyros' lips as he darted down the corridors; his bare feet kicking up dirt. He could hear the minotaur behind him, getting closer. Kyros looked around frantically in shock, trying to find an escape. He turned one corner and then another, realizing he was only getting himself more lost. He hoped that meant that he'd be able to escape the minotaur, but as he rounded yet one more turn, his dreams came to a crashing halt. Strong, furry hands grabbed the young man and lifted him up slowly off the ground, his legs dangling beneath him. Kyros grunted and moaned, trying to get free. The minotaur leaned in, sniffing at the human's neck before his leathery lips parted and he slowly licked up the flesh to his ear.
"Theseus?" The minotaur asked slowly. Kyros turned his head in surprise.
"What about him?" he asked. The minotaur grinned more.
"Good..." he whispered before he dropped the human and began dragging him back toward the portion of the labyrinth he called home. The minotaur grunted to himself, "Still time for a bit of fun." He purred to himself. The minotaur found it ironic that the humans assumed that he wanted virgin females to mate with. Female humans were barely above insects. At least the males lasted a little bit longer. Asterion licked his lips as he thought about all the things he was going to do.
****
Phaedra trembled where she sat. She didn't watch, she didn't look, but all the while she reacted to the grunts, moans and cat calls of the other spectators, particularly her father. It was disgusting and barbaric. Her only hope was that Theseus would be triumphant, that he would be able to beat the foul beast. Her dreams were the exact opposite of the seer's. His solid black eyes bored into the glass sphere, watching the magical images directly and hoping that Theseus would fail, that he would be stopped. The humans were on a tipping point, they needed a loss or they would take another step toward freedom. Everything was on the line.
"This is highly entertaining..." Minos considered, looking at his daughter, "Are you sure you won't watch with me?" he asked with a wicked grin. Phaedra shot him a dirty look despite her eyes being closed.
"You disgust me. This is wicked." She countered. The king leaned back.
"Well, I want to watch with someone. Perhaps young Zen would like to join us." Minos said after a moment. Phaedra's eyes opened.
"You monster!" She hissed.
"Your highness..." Minos replied, "I suggest you watch, or I'll force that whelp of a boy to do it rather than cleaning the guest rooms." Minos said. He knew he had to quash her fighting spirit as well, lest she betray him. Phaedra's heart trembled. She knew Theseus would be crushed if anything happened to Zen. She took a long breath before she looked at the display, watching Theseus's progress. Her fingers clutched the arms of her chair, watching him advance ever deeper.
****
Theseus had grown cautious as he advanced, ever ready, ever careful. The Labyrinth seemed most cruel at its center, forcing one to snake their way back and forth. Thankfully he seemed to have just enough thread, though gentle tugs on his string had indicated others had found it as well. He only hoped it was not the Minotaur advancing on him from behind. As Theseus moved, he heard a slight scrape up ahead. He set the spool down gently to the ground before he drew his sword, wielding it with both hands. The gleaming gold blade shone even in the very pale light to come through the grates above.
Theseus moved, rounding the corner, preparing to strike... and then holding back. He had entered a large room at the center of the labyrinth. It was circular with four entrances bisecting the round walls. There was a larger grate than average above, casting down more light. Piles of hay had been heaped into various spots, but lying on top of one of the piles was Kyros. The teenager was sprawled out, his pale skin drizzled with yellowed slime. It dripped from his mouth, his hips and it coated his chest. Even his curly brown hair was drenched. His chest slowly rose and fell and his feet slowly moved along the ground, scraping a bit.
"Kyros!" Theseus exclaimed, moving over to him. Kyros looked up gently, a strange grin crossing his lips.
"I was wrong... he doesn't defile the women..." he murmured, his eyes fluttering. Theseus reached to stroke Kyros' cheek.
"Are you hurt?" Theseus asked. Kyros let out a weak laugh.
"I don't know what I am... I have been stretched and bent and invaded in ways I thought not possible." Kyros whispered. "I know if he returns for me I won't be able to take another session, but, Theseus..." Kyros looked up at him slowly, "I find myself longing for him." He whispered in shock. Theseus looked down only to see his fellow sacrifice's cock throbbing, red and engorged.
"I will get you away from his lair." Theseus said, moving to lift Kyros up over his shoulder. The minotaur sperm soaked into Theseus' tunic as Kyros was lifted up. Kyros only sighed.
"It is so strange... That I should long for him and he should long for you." Kyros whispered. Theseus followed the thread he had laid, heading out of the serpentine portion of the maze.
"What do you mean he longs for me?" Theseus asked, growing concerned.
"He has no taste for women but as his food, but you... he has plans. I only wish his cruel mind would have such glory in mind for me..." Kyros whispered before he went limp on Theseus' back. Theseus grimaced and continued to carry him, still feeling the young man breathing. The seed that had coated Kyros so liberally continued to drizzle down onto Theseus' neck and shoulders. While it had done nothing to Kyros, dull brownish black hairs began growing out of Theseus' neck where the slime touched, the hairs softening until it all turned into fur. Theseus flushed a bit, starting to sweat a bit more, feeling his manhood arouse a bit. He pushed the thoughts of self pleasure out of his mind and continued along.
****
A general hush had spread over the watching crowds, surprised by what they had seen. They all had learned that the minotaur was a man who lay with men. That had not entirely shocked them, it was very Greek after all, but the magic orbs had cast just enough of a view that Kyros ramblings were decipherable. The crowd had a vested interest in Theseus and learning that the Minotaur did too was concerning. They watched and waited with baited breath, but none were more anxious than King Minos and the seer.
"It beginsssss." The seer said, taking a breath.
"I take it this is not how the dark prophecy foretold?" Minos asked. The seer shook his head. Phaedra lifted her head and turned.
"What dark prophecy... Father?" She asked.
"My love, you must trust that I would only do what is best for our kingdom, and you." Minos said. Phaedra glowered more, moving back to slink in her chair.
****
Theseus had carried Kyros some distance from the Minotaur's lair, knowing the thread could lead him back, but if the minotaur followed it he would find Kyros again. Theseus strayed slowly from the path, keeping the turns in mind as best he could. On his back, Kyros slowly stirred, his eyes slipping open. His eyes were glassy, a grin crossing his face. Kyros moved and slipped his tongue into Theseus' ear, working it back and forth as he rubbed against Theseus' backside. Soon his aroused shaft found the cleft of his hero's ass, though fabric blocked his path. Still Kyros grinded and rubbed, panting.
"You are bewitched! Kyros, stop at once!" Theseus demanded, moving to knock Kyros off. Kyros fell onto his back, groaning, his bruises worsening. As soon as he was on his back, however, he grabbed his shaft and began to stroke it off before he shot jets of sperm at Theseus. Some splattered his chest, others his leg. Theseus turned and fled in disgust. Kyros rolled onto all fours, looking out after Theseus.
"He will find you! He will give you the gift that all men should rightly want!" Kyros exclaimed, his voice carrying. Kyros shuddered softly before he rolled onto his back once more and resumed stroking himself, praying that his new master should soon find him.
Theseus, however, had fled off through the maze, hastily returning to the thread. His heart was racing, his lungs were heaving and his manhood was throbbing gently, half hard in his pants. It was unholy... the look on Kyros' face, the lust he had for the foul demon beast, and even worse that his soul had been corrupted. What terrified Theseus most was that the minotaur had something worse in mind for him, though Theseus could not imagine what that was. It was time to put everything to an end. He drew his sword once more and moved through the labyrinth faster, heading back to the center.
"Minotaur, come find me! I am here, the one you seek! Theseus!" he called out, his voice carrying through the tunnels, echoing out of the vents to those bystanders watching the ordeal.
"Ah, Theseus... I wondered what would take you so long." Asterion replied, his voice sounding like smoke. It carried through the labyrinth from all directions.
"I will defeat you and free Kyros from your wicked spell." Theseus replied, moving back into the circle room, backing up to one wall so he could see two of the entrances clearly, though he still had two on either side of himself.
"It is hardly a spell. There was no magic involved with that boy. Humans are very malleable beings." The minotaur said. Theseus tried to figure out which direction he was coming from, but he failed. Asterion continued speaking, "I have been interested in males since my birth, desiring their strength, their vigor. That boy was interested in women until I showed him what true pleasure was, until he tasted my seed. There was no spell, only his need for more... his hunger for pleasure." Asterion gloated.
"But I hear you desire me even more than Kyros? What do you have in store for me? To show me your pleasure?" Theseus asked, hoping to get the beast to talk more and narrow in on him... but there was only silence. Theseus grimaced and his muscles tightened, his breath stalling. Silence, shadow, stillness. Theseus was about to make a move when a hand grabbed his arm from one doorway and sent him hurtling through the air. Theseus landed roughly and rolled, but didn't drop his sword. He brought it up as the Minotaur charged, but the minotaur lowered his head and knocked the sword blade aside with his horn before he pinned Theseus to the ground, holding his arms and legs as he arched over him.
"I will show you power, purpose, and your divine role in this world." The bull murmured, gazing into Theseus' eyes. Theseus struggled, trying to break free, panting and writhing. His wrists felt like they were going to snap, his knees like they were to shatter. Asterion squeezed Theseus' wrist even more before he dropped his sword. The minotaur grinned in triumph before he leaned down. Theseus saw the bull's thick, purplish tongue emerge from his lips. The warrior tried to hold it back but the tongue invaded his mouth, sliding back and forth, coating his teeth in thick bull saliva. Theseus moaned around the tongue, trying to bite it but it was so big that it wedged his jaw open. Soon the bull was kissing so far back that Theseus was starting to gag. The minotaur's leathery lips assaulted Theseus' soft ones, their bodies rubbed and slowly the minotaur lowered down even more.
Theseus grunted into the forced kiss as he felt a hot weight on his groin. The bull shaft had pressed to his, and with a mere thought, Asterion released his load. Thick, hot wet yellow sperm flooded out over his lap, coating his pants, soaking through the fabric. Asterion pulled back slowly and grinned.
"And so it starts." He whispered. Theseus used that moment to head butt the bull before kneeing him in the groin, summoning all his strength to throw the bull off. Winded and dazed, the bull still managed to grab at his chest but only got a hand full of cloth. The tunic tore from Theseus' shoulders as he rolled away, grabbing his sword, springing off into the labyrinth, coughing and wheezing. The minotaur scrambled to his feet, following after. Theseus panted hard, his cock rubbing the inside of his pants, growing harder. It was sticky with minotaur seed and was becoming thicker ever so slowly, the skin toughening. Theseus' balls dropped as well, growing slowly as well. Theseus had no idea what was going on, he was focused only on escape, though in his mouth his tongue had started to thicken and his teeth flattened as well.
"I must say, you are resilient. No human has before been able to resist my kiss." Asterion called out.
"Perhaps it is good that I am only part human." Theseus replied before heading a different direction to throw him off, hiding in a darkened corner. The minotaur appeared a moment later where Theseus had been.
"But that will be your downfall... magic is in your blood." Asterion said. Theseus charged, bringing his sword up, ready to lop off the head of the minotaur... but as he ran, his cock quivered and he began to spray cum into his pants. The sudden rush of pleasure made Theseus stumble. Asterion heard the moan and stepped out of the way, letting Theseus clatter to the ground before his feet. The minotaur panted gently, realizing what had just happened. If he had tried to treat Theseus like all of the others, he would have been dead. Asterion knew he could take no more changes. He tore his loin cloth off, grabbed his two foot long member with both hands and stroked it off before his seed showered down across Theseus like a rain. Theseus gasped sharply as he felt it hit his back and drizzle over his shoulders, soaking his hair. He stumbled to his feet and began to run away again, though his steps were uneven and wild.
As Theseus ran, the seed continued to soak into him. The heat radiated down through the flesh and into the bones. His shoulder muscles bulged and grew in lumps and mounds. His bones began to widen, his back stretching out... and a line of brown fur crept down from his head along his spine, fanning out across his shoulders, giving him a furry mantle. As the brown fuzz spread down his back, Theseus found it harder to fight his urges, to keep his mind straight. He felt so powerful, so strong. It felt good and he wanted to bask in that pleasure. His hand reached down to grope his wet bulge, but as he did the stuff coating his pants soaked into his fingers, his nails turning a rich black. Theseus hissed in shock, lumbering along, panting hard with a horny minotaur following behind.
****
The crowd above roared in excitement as the deathmatch exploded into controversy. Those watching the orbs of other sacrifices had moved to crowd around those they could see Theseus through. It was clear he was changing into something else. There had never been a sacrifice like it before and they were waiting with baited breath. Some had crouched down over the air vents to watch with their own eyes, unable to get near enough to the projections.
On the balcony, the seer was positively hissing with delight. A forked tongue darted out of his thin lips to taste the excitement in the air. The humans were ripe; their loyalty was on the line... Theseus defeat would prove a victory for the gods and for him. He shuddered in bliss. Phaedra watched the seer, how he reacted, thinking about all the times he had advised her father. It started to dawn on her that he was playing a much bigger game. He wanted more than just a room at the castle, he was there for a purpose, and that purpose was putting Theseus in danger. Phaedra turned, her eyes surveying their surroundings, looking for anything she could use when the time came. She saw little on the balcony itself, but by the archway she saw decorative daggers, left over relics from years gone by.
"Father, I must relieve myself." Phaedra said, rising to her feet.
"Be quick dear, you don't want to miss any of this." Minos said, practically drooling at the blood sport he had unleashed. Phaedra passed the seer, not looking at him nor looking back. If he was a prophet there was a chance he could see her plan, but she prayed he was too focused on his joy at watching Theseus fail to notice her plans. She passed the arch, pulling the daggers from their display stands and sliding them into her dress before she moved to the rest room.
****
Asterion's hooves came down onto the ground slowly as his thick nostrils sniffed the air. He strode along in all his glory; his fur was thick and soft, his muscles huge and firm, his shaft long and dripping as he left a trail of seed where he walked. The minotaur had learned the labyrinth well, all but the outer rings. But Daedalus' curse on him would only last a little while longer... if the seer had been true, then this was his chance to circumvent it all, to break the curse, to escape and do something more... and Theseus was his way.
"Half blood, son of Poseidon, do you ever tire of being a man?" Asterion called out. Up ahead Theseus slowed, surprised that the minotaur knew such things. Theseus leaned over, groaning softly. His ribs had stretched out to accommodate his massive back. It was V shaped now, his shoulders now so very wide as his entire back covered with fur. Even his tailbone had started to ache and grow out longer, new bones filling in. Theseus' face had not fared any better; his lips had turned black and his nose had widened. As he walked, soft hairs pushed out of his upper lip, growing out into a thick mustache of brown fur before the sides crept down to his chin and started to spread out along his jawbone.
The minotaur chuckled, advancing along, knowing the human was too scared to respond to him... but he was an easier mark by the second. Asterion could smell Theseus. He smelled of Kyros' sperm, of his own human seed, and of minotaur slime sprayed all over him. He was the easiest mark in the entire labyrinth. Asterion paused, inhaling the scent, letting it permeate his brain. It was like a drug, a drug that fueled the animal side of the minotaur. He was ancient, he was brilliant, but he was also part animal. The smell of all that cum drove him wild. He grabbed his shaft and stroked it, his tail hole quivering in need before he charged.
Asterion came rumbling out of a corridor, almost toppling over Theseus. Theseus turned to run, making one turn, then another, then another. His thread was behind him, forgotten, and his paths uncertain. Theseus turned and ran and skidded to a stop as he came up to a dead end. The warrior turned around only to see the minotaur blocking his path. Theseus brought his sword up, grunting hard. Asterion came to a stop, a grin crossing his animal face. He looked Theseus over, admiring the changes. The human's fingernails were black and thick, his torso was no longer shaped correctly and while his face appeared to have developed a beard, it was truly just fur... fur that spread up his cheeks ever so slowly.
"Don't you feel it Theseus? The need? Don't you know what you've been longing for?" Asterion asked.
"Nothing that you can show me." Theseus murmured. Asterion chuckled.
"There's nothing to show but what's been there all along. Haven't you waded into those communal baths, desiring to touch those men around you, to feel your fingers trailing through their hair, or the caress of their lips? What was it like, bunking with those sacrifice boys? Those innocent, supple bodies? Virgins, waiting for the touch of a man? And what of Kyros? I bet you wanted him to worship you as he does me? To devote himself to you, body and soul even if it meant his death in the process of love making... knowing he'd give his life for you, just to feel you fill him?" Asterion whispered.
"Yes! I mean, no, no! I..." Theseus moaned, panting hard and his sword wobbling.
"You are like me Theseus, more like me than you know. You crave men, pleasure, glory... and I can give it to you. All you have to do... is give in." Asterion whispered. Theseus looked at the minotaur, feeling his mind tearing itself apart. While before there had only been a hero, a warrior, there was now a seething, dripping beast in his mind, a Theseus that craved only sex and pleasure. Asterion, however, wasn't going to leave anything to chance. He grabbed his cock and gave it a flick, thick ropes of sperm splashing down Theseus face and chest.
The sword clattered to the ground shortly before Theseus fell to his knees, moaning hard as the changes ripped through his body. His nipples turned from pink to brown as soft fur began pushing out across his pectorals. The muscles bulged and rounded steadily, inflating with meat. His firm abs pushed out even more, defining with more detail than he had ever experienced. His ribs pushed apart, his waist widened, even his legs started to bulge. As his legs expanded, his pants grew tight. The fabric stretched over his bulge, his knees, his hips... and then the first sounds of tearing came.
Stitches started to tear before Theseus' cock sprung out of his pants. The flesh had darkened from pink to red, but then it darkened still, taking on brown tones. Theseus looked up at Asterion in his strange mental state as his arm hair thickened and turned into fur slowly, as did his leg hair. Asterion moved forward, using his hoof to kick the sword far out of the human's reach before he reached down to pet Theseus' face fur. The human looked up, his mouth hanging open. The minotaur stroked his beard fur even more, which felt so good that he shuddered even more, his purple tongue licking his lips.
"That's it Theseus, you feel it, don't you? You're my creation, my minotaur." Asterion whispered. Theseus moaned harder and harder, his life draining away from his head. All he remembered were the times he'd looked at men and found them sexy and of coming into the labyrinth. Theseus felt better than he had all his life. He knew more pleasure, more power. He looked up at Asterion not as an enemy, but as a being worthy of worship. Theseus moaned more.
"Mas...ter..." Theseus moaned. Asterion grunted happily and leaned down, forcing his muzzle to the changing human's. Theseus moaned, reaching up to stroke Asterion's head. Asterion moved to straddle Theseus, pinning him to the ground. Theseus felt the hot bull cock sliding up and down his chest, rubbing into the new fur that slowly engulfed his body. The changes only accelerated from being so close and so intimate. The fur on his arms grew so thick that his skin disappeared, like sleeves of brown. The skin of his hands toughened and turned brownish gray, complimenting his dark, thick nails.
Theseus and Asterion shared a wicked minotaur kiss, their thick tongues sliding back and forth. Asterion continued to stroke Theseus' cheek as his face began to push out. His jaw throbbed and popped as his teeth grew inside, his upper lip extended and his nose moved with it. What had started as a beard now crossed Theseus' nose, rounded his eyes and covered his forehead. His ears grew out longer, folding in half, flopping down gently... but the strongest change of all came as a dull ache filled his head. His skin felt tight and painful over his forehead as two lumps began to grow there, swelling ever larger.
Asterion moaned and released another flood of his seed. It sprayed out like a waterfall, saturating Theseus' chest before it flooded down his body. More seams burst along his pants as the sides of the legs tore open and the fabric came apart to reveal furry legs, but that was nothing compared to Theseus' boots. The cloth pulled apart, the leather split and it all unceremoniously fell to the ground, revealing swollen, misshapen feet. The bones were more pronounced, the skin was gray and his toes were warping. Slowly a web of skin formed between the toes, but only long enough to pull them together. As the toes meshed, they fused and the seams filled in, giving Theseus wedge shaped feet. Slowly, his toenails thickened, turning black and spreading out to cover those wedges of flesh, dipping over the tip just a bit, covering his feet more and more as they turned into hooves like his creator.
The minotaur pulled back to break the kiss and looked at Theseus. His face had pushed into a six inch muzzle, his nose was animal and fur dominated his face... but the lumps had grown quite large and irritated on his head. Asterion couldn't stand to see another minotaur suffering... he leaned in, pressing his lips over one of the bulges. His tongue probed and pushed on the lump before the skin split and a boney nub emerged. Asterion sucked on it, then gnawed the horn tip before he pulled back, moving to the other.
Theseus grunted and let out a soft mooing sound as his other lump was relieved of its pressure. The second horn nub slipped out of Asterion's lips as he pulled back, watching the magic start to really take hold. Theseus belted out another moo as his bull horns began to curve and grow, extruding out of his skull, growing faster and harder and longer. Theseus started to press his body more against Asterion, trying to increase his pleasure. Asterion grunted happily and leaned back, getting a look at the former human's shaft. What had been an impressive eight inch length was now over a foot and a half, a brownish black and drooling constantly. Theseus' sack was leathery and low, full of orange sized balls that continued to swell.
"I believe you are ready." Asterion said with a grin, gesturing. Theseus eagerly moved, no longer remembering the beast as anything but his liberator. He got onto all fours and presented his ass to his new master, his brand new tail swishing around. Asterion stood and moved, placing his hands onto Theseus' hips before he dug in. Theseus moaned as the cock head moved about his asshole. Asterion took a deep breath before he thrust in, sliding deep into Theseus. Theseus grunted, letting out another moo of pleasure.
The older minotaur began sliding back and forth into Theseus' ass, surprised at how well he was taking it. Unlike the virgin boys they sent him, this one was rugged, strong, and stretchy. Asterion started to wish that he had converted earlier souls into minotaurs... but perhaps there was a way with Theseus' upbringing, with his heritage. Asterion grinned, deciding to put everything he had into Theseus.
With every thrust, the former warrior grew. His arms elongated, his legs thickened, his back swelled and his chest hardened. He was putting on pounds of muscle every few seconds, his changes advancing ever faster. Theseus' face popped and creaked as it pushed out into a full muzzle. His leathery lips parted, his nostrils flared, his eyes grew glassy and his horns pushed out horizontally from both sides of his head, the true horns of a steer. The fur on his chin grew longer and the fur on his back grew thicker. His tail flicked around and he scraped his hooves along the ground.
Asterion panted hard, feeling Theseus clench his ass and massage his shaft. It was a neat trick, one deserving of reward. Asterion reached around to stroke Theseus off, getting a good handful of bull cock. He fucked Theseus hard and stroked him off harder. Theseus bounced his hips toward the hands and then back around the cock, getting the best of both worlds. The magic continued to sweep into him, filling him deeper, stronger, changing his very core. Theseus could feel his mind tainting with lust and sex, becoming animal, but some part in him still strove for something. He wanted more... more pleasure in the world, more to pleasure and more to pleasure him. He wanted to... spread.
Theseus tilted his head back and let out a moo that echoed throughout the whole labyrinth as his balls tugged up, his cock pulsed and the most slick, hot minotaur cum to be released in the labyrinth was sprayed out all over the ground. The orgasm caused the former warrior's ass to flutter around Asterion, bringing the minotaur to a new height of pleasure. He pulled back and joined his mate in calling out their pleasure, his load emptying into Theseus' massive ass like never before. The two were mated most completely.
****
The crowd was silent, watching in shock. The human had become a minotaur. He had failed the gods, his mission... and as punishment, the gods had turned him onto the beast he sought to kill. Fate was stronger than any of them realized. Many were horrified, most started to pray to their deities at once, and some started to moan and grope themselves in envy... Not a single person in the palace or courtyard saw Phaedra advance. She moved toward the Seer who gloated about his victory, knowing he had done very well.
The fading sun glinted off of Phaedra's blades as she drew them out, readying them. She walked on light feet, advanced ever more and prepared to strike. As the seer looked on, his head slowly started to tilt. Something had been nagging at his conscious for some time, but he'd been so wrapped up in his victory he had neglected to pay it mind. As the images cleared in his mind, he gasped sharply, feeling cold steel plunge through his back, puncturing his heart and his lungs. A bubble of blue blood appeared on his lips as he slumped forward to his knees, then his face. The seer collapsed onto the ground, dead. Gasps slipped out across the balcony as they realized what had happened.
"Phaedra..." Minos whispered, turning in shock.
"He didn't want what was best for us; he wanted what was best for him... And you let a good man be turned into a beast, how could you?" Phaedra asked, trembling sharply.
"My daughter, you have challenged the gods...." Minos whispered.
"I know, and I intend to keep challenging them." She whispered before she bolted, running through the castle, trying to make her way to Zen. She knew it was Theseus' will that the young boy be freed and taken to safety, and she would liberate him if it was the last thing she did. Even if the guards came after her, she knew every passage and escape route in the entire castle. Minos had been watching his daughter's escape, but he turned as the seer's body began to sizzle and collapse in upon itself before the robes burst into flame. A blue energy rose up out of the robes and began spiraling after Phaedra, chasing her as fast as the wind could carry. Minos slowly leaned back in his chair, knowing the legends. If his spirit found the one that killed him, it would convert the killer into a suitable replacement.
"I always wondered what it would be like to have a son..." he wondered to himself idly before looking back at the projections before him.
****
Kyros moaned softly, lying in the heap he had landed in. He ran his fingers through the sperm on his chest, collecting some of the soft goo before he brought it to his lips and sucked it off. He was weary, frail, battered and very happy. He paused as he heard movement in the hall before he saw the massive form of Asterion appear.
"Master, you've come to save me!" Kyros moaned, though as another minotaur appeared, he gasped even more, "Masters... now this is lovely." Kyros whispered more. Theseus pushed past Asterion, whipping out his shaft, presenting it to the young man. Kyros eagerly grabbed onto the bull cock with both hands, sliding his mouth over it and bobbing back and forth. Theseus began to unleash his seed, slowly at first but then with more power. Kyros guzzled down the seed out of greed, but as he drank he started to feel better, stronger, healthier. The bruises Asterion had left him with faded. His battered bones healed, his stretched and torn muscles mended, his cuts sealed themselves... and with the healing done, Kyros' body truly began to change.
The young man's forehead bulged before two mighty white horns began to push out. His curly brown hair softened into fur and it crept down his face and neck, covering everything. His ears elongated and his mouth pushed around Theseus' shaft more and more. Slowly Theseus pulled Kyros up onto his feet, revealing his ass. Asterion walked around Kyros, bringing his cock to it. He rubbed it up and down before he began to push in, finding Kyros much more accommodating than before. As Asterion thrust in, Theseus did the same. Kyros gobbled down the cock in his maw, letting it fill his throat. His horns continued to grow while his fur thickened and his muscles bulged.
Pops and snaps came as Kyros' spine stretched. He grew to six feet tall, then seven, and then as his legs grew he managed to reach eight. His arms grew thicker, his chest widened and his stomach pushed out into firm muscle. Asterion leaned in to lick and nibble Kyros' head fur while Theseus continued to dominate his maw. Fur pushed out all over Kyros' body, dominating his arms and torso, then his legs. His feet twisted and toes merged as they formed the starts of hooves. It seemed his change was even faster with the work of two minotaurs. They rubbed on one another until Kyros was their equal. Kyros brayed out and unleashed his seed, and then Asterion and Theseus did the same. All three bulls basked in their lust, glory and joy before they turned to move off, seeking their next prey.
****
Those gathered above the labyrinth had started to grow quite scared. They had watched as the male sacrifices were converted into minotaurs one at a time. The women were ignored, passed by and left in place. Minos had watched with growing concern at the turn of events, his mind wondering what they were up to. So many minotaurs would need much more food, and yet they weren't eating the women. They all moved around as if they knew where they were going as well, but none of them could have learned the labyrinth that fast... unless they had left clues on how to get around.
"No..." Minos whispered, realizing that the minotaurs were charging through one of the most difficult parts of the labyrinth. Minos slowly rose to his feet, "No!" He declared in shock. The outer circles were the most difficult, designed to funnel sacrifices into the maze and never find their way back to the starting positions. Even optical illusions had been employed to that end, but the minotaur with the horizontal horns followed the thread back to where he had entered the labyrinth. Theseus found his starting point and looked at the metal grate that had been closed.
"Now is our time." Theseus said. He and Asterion moved forward, grabbing onto the metal railing. It was too strong for one minotaur, but they had an army. They pulled and groaned, the metal starting to bend. Other minotaurs squeezed in around them to grab hold of the bars or the minotaurs. They worked as a team to heave and pull and tug.
The metal groaned louder, harder and then finally lurched as it snapped. Asterion cast it aside before Theseus climbed into the tube, wide enough to use his knees and elbows to hold himself in place, climbing up more and more. He emerged into the sheltered nook above the entry point and kicked the door open, charging out. He grabbed one guard by the head and another guard by the waist, slamming them together before he hurled them out across the field. Screams broke out as the first minotaur escaped, but the tube had filled with the rest. Theseus moved forward, looking to the field of people and king Minos as Asterion emerged behind him. Asterion blinked slowly, trying to adjust to the light. It had been so many years since he had been free...
"Minos!" Theseus called out. Minos trembled gently, "Your cage will no longer hold my people. I offer a deal." He bellowed.
"The... Theseus?" Minos asked in surprise. The new minotaur ignored his response.
"You have seen what we can do in common purpose. We are not beasts to be locked away. King Minos, we offer your services as a force to command, but only if you give us the respect, station and privileges we demand. That includes lodgings worthy of officers in your military and all the food we desire." Theseus demanded.
"Or would you dishonor the gods further?" Asterion called out. It was a bluff, but the entire gathered crowd turned at that, even more shocked. If anything had been proven that day, it was that the work of the gods was stronger than ever. Minos slowly sunk into his chair, contemplating everything that had happened. He had expected to make an example of Theseus. Then he had worked around a prophecy, only to have something worse happen. The minotaur wasn't dead; he had an army and Theseus as his diplomat. The people were teetering on the edge of a religious reformation and it all came down to him on whether or not he accepted. If he turned back, his guards would be over powered and he would be overthrown... he looked over at the ashes next to his throne before he looked back to the minotaurs. Eight had gathered on the surface, all seven male sacrifices and the original.
"I accept... your terms." Minos said softly from his throne, taking a deep breath. There were murmurs of surprise and adulation. The humans on the field gave soft compliments to the minotaurs, though they all paid attention to Theseus and Asterion. Asterion slowly crouched down and collected blades of grass in his hands before he stood back upright, turning to look at Theseus.
"You have freed me." He whispered.
"From everything but my company. I hope never to be apart from you." Theseus whispered, leaning in for a kiss. Asterion leaned back and kissed Theseus in turn, their tongues tangling. Kyros was overcome with enjoyment and moved to hug Asterion around his waist, though he soon became distracted and started to lick and slurp at his back side. Asterion chuckled, his tail flicking, lifting his head to the sky. After traveling into the labyrinth so many years ago, he had finally come out again, and it was all thanks to the traveling warrior Theseus.
****
A soft evening breeze blew in through the curtains of the grand state room that the minotaurs had been given. Kyros and the other former sacrifices spent most of their time at the banquet table, which was loaded down with ham, apples, pheasants and fruits. They were ravenous and able to eat most anything. Asterion, however, stood by the window, gazing out across the kingdom and looking at the grass field that sat above the stone ceiling which had been his prison for many years. He wondered which air vent had been his favorite to peer out of, where the spots were that he'd tried to dig out. His life was so different now, though in a way he felt that he had traded a prison of stone for one of gold... but at least he had company. Asterion reached down to start stroking his massive bull erection, only to have someone else's hand join his on the shaft. Asterion moaned and Theseus leaned in to lick and suck at Asterion's neck. The elder Minotaur moaned deeply, leaning into the tongue.
"This is nice..." he moaned.
"You looked like you could use some pleasure." Theseus grinned.
"It seems you've taken to the life well." Asterion smirked.
"The rich life?" Theseus asked in surprise.
"No, a life of sex and men." Asterion purred.
"I'd hope the sex would be with men, anything else is disgusting. This... is what I live for now." Theseus said, indicating Asterion's shaft. Asterion moaned, thrusting into their hands more before he glanced back at Theseus.
"Is that all you live for? I was surprised by your offer to Minos." Asterion said softly.
"It... was a tactical decision." Theseus said softly. Asterion moved and sat down, spreading his legs wide. He stroked his own shaft and gave the tip a lick before he patted his lap. Theseus moaned, knowing what his master wanted. He moved over and sat himself atop the shaft before sliding down and impaling himself on it. Asterion and Theseus both moaned out before their bull lips met and they kissed eagerly. The sounds of rutting reached the other six males and they started to grope and rub against each other, becoming quickly aroused.
"What sort of tactical decision?" Asterion asked, starting to bounce Theseus on him. Theseus moaned, having such a divine bull shaft inside of him.
"Minos was paranoid. Even if we would have overpowered his guards, some of us might have been killed. I wanted us all to get out safely." Theseus said.
"That's why you made the deal to serve him." Asterion replied, fucking harder. Theseus started moaning, finding it hard to think of anything but pleasure, but he owed Asterion the truth.
"That way we get close to the king, close enough to take over... we will put his reign to an end." Theseus moaned. Asterion grinned at the plan, leaning down to give Theseus' massive erection a suck. The former warrior screamed out in bliss, his head tipping back. Asterion gave it a longer such before he looked back up.
"And what do we do when we are in charge?" Asterion asked.
"We make Knossis, even all of Crete, the kingdom of the Minotaur. Volunteers will join our cause and the humans will serve us.... we will be of the gods and of man, together and unified, a kingdom like no other." Theseus said in bliss before he called out, writhing more. Asterion fucked Theseus even harder.
"And what will you do to the volunteers? To the teenagers and men that come to us?" Asterion asked.
"I'll mate them, I'll fill them with my seed, I'll coat them, shower them, make them moan out, become mad with lust and then join us!" Theseus panted hard. Asterion moaned.
"I would have it no other way." He said, grunting and grinding like mad. He ground deep and hard before he tilted his head back and let out a deep moo. Even as Theseus felt Asterion cumming in his ass, he leaned in to lick and suck and rub at his neck before he came as well, spraying his seed over Asterion's chest. Theseus moaned. He loved the phallus so much, men and sex and everything involved. He loved it as much as he loved being a minotaur, and he knew the future would have only good things in store for them. Asterion and Theseus continued to mate even as they reached orgasm, just as the other Minotaur did. Thousands and thousands of pounds of fur covered bull men worked at each other, splattering their seed about, dreaming of what the future would bring now that they were out of the labyrinth.