FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Lightning seared through the midnight sky, the dark night layered in grey clouds that glowed ominously with each flash. Everywhere, water poured down in a single, unending deluge. The high winds making it seem as if the warm jungle rain was coming in sideways, and not from the ugly clouds above.

A fork of lightning lit up the air, splitting and dividing as it arched across the heavens. Almost immediately, a massive, resonating boom of thunder echoed all around, crackling as it travelled across the land. For a split second, even the rain seemed to stop falling; As if it were in awe at the deafening sound.

It was over immediately. The weather, seemingly realizing it's moment of weakness, began pouring down harder than before, becoming nothing more than a monster made of water, noise and light.

To the creatures on the ground, it was chaos. Animals of all shapes and sizes ran in every direction. Not even noticing each other as they tore through the jungle landscape, searching for their shelters that had been washed away, or their kin, who had been separated in the madness. The large leafy plants shined with wetness as small waterfalls of rain poured out of their leaves and pooled on the ground. The tough trunks of trees, bended and snapped in the hurricane winds, unable to escape the onslaught of mother nature. The ground was no longer made of earth and grass, but had turned into a shallow, muddy lake. Constantly in motion as the rain smacked against the surface. Small rivulets forming on the surface before being swallowed up as dozens more landed around it. The process repeating itself over and over as the weather continued it's crazed dance.

To the creature's in the air, it was hell. The sky, which had once been their trusted friend, had turned into their greatest enemy. Lightning could strike from anywhere. The storm clouds we're as numerous as they were lethal, and the torrential rain, coupled with the debilitating sound, made surviving a flight through the sky nearly impossible. Any being with common sense had landed in the jungle canopy below for shelter. Except one.

A young gryphon flew erratically through the storm, his body buffeted by the strong winds as he tried not to let his long wings buckle because of the strain. His smooth, pure white feathers and fur we're plastered against his skin by the rain, giving him a gaunt, unhealthy look. And his large, bright blue eyes, typically giving him excellent eyesight, they we're now useless in the storm; The downpour forcing him to squint until they had turned into sharp slits in a pathetic attempt to cut through the deluge. His large yellow beak was kept firmly closed, the water running down it's curved length before dripping off the sharp tip in a steady stream. Falling away to the jungle below.

Zan knew he was in trouble. As he struggled through the sky, he cursed himself for being foolish to stay aloft for so long. He could have landed when he had the chance; When the storm was only brewing and not nearly as dangerous, but he didn't. He had let his stomach get the better of him in his hunt for dinner, and now he was paying the price for his foolishness. All for what? So he could fill his gizzard with a little more bat meat. He could not believe what an idiot he was. At the time, it had seemed like a good idea, a little rain, a bit of thunder, nothing to worry about really. Just a few more bats. They we're incredibly stupid, all he had to do was close his beak from time to time and he had another one of the little monsters in his mouth. They didn't taste so great. A little rubbery, but he had noticed that with all creatures that we're easy to catch: They all tasted bad. Either way, he kept telling himself he was only going to catch one more, and after that, only another one. Soon things spiralled out of control and then the lightning started and the wind kicked up and . . .

Here he was, stuck in the middle of a tropical hurricane barely staying in the air as he looked for a safe place to land. You couldn't just land anywhere, if he could, he would have already been on the ground snuggling up in a cozy little den and falling asleep. Right now though, that was not the case. He had considered landing in the canopy, but as soon as he swooped down, he knew it would not support his weight. The treetops were for small birds and beasts. Not a young gryphon. His other option was to try and land on solid ground, but he knew in this weather, that was suicidal. Not only could he barely see, he did not relish the idea of crashing through the canopy at high speed in buffeting winds. It involved many cuts and scratches on the way down, and he had no desire to finish himself off by breaking his neck on a tree trunk. To him, it didn't seem like a particularly enjoyable way to die. So he had decided to try and fly just above the jungle and look for a clearing to land in. It wasn't a great plan, but it was the only one he could think of that didn't end with him killing himself.

As Zan flew through the air, he knew time was running out. The rain whipped into the side of his face, his feathered cheek tufts hung limply, soaking wet against the nonstop downpour. He glanced up, gazing at the largest of storm clouds above him as it sparkled dangerously. Flinching away as a gigantic fork of lightning erupted out of it, casting everything around him in a blinding white light as it tore through the night air. Zan flipped his small, pointy ears down as the sound of thunder exploded around him, pushing against his feathers and fur and vibrating deep into his bones.

His ears smarted with sudden pain, and he found he was deaf to everything except a loud ringing sound in his skull.

Something was wrong. His head felt fuzzy. Everything was moving in slow motion. Faintly, his blurry, unfocused stare noticed the fork of lightning strike a tree a few hundred meters ahead of him. He looked on in awe as it was incinerated immediately in a brilliant ball of fire that arched into the night, leaving nothing but a smoky cloud that was whisked away by the wind. As he gazed at it in his stunned state, the treetops suddenly dipped towards him, and he found his white paws skimming along the jungle palms dangerously. With a yelp of surprise, he angled his wings upward and flapped furiously, gaining altitude while the realization that he had almost crashed sunk into him. Zan shook his head vigorously, trying to shake some sense into himself. Finally earning some satisfaction when his hearing came back to him in a loud rush of sound: The rain pounding against his body, the wind howling through his wingtips. It was almost overwhelming compared to a few moments ago. In these few seconds of distraction, he made another crucial mistake.

He was not looking, and the cliff rose out of the gloom like a solid black wall, deadly and menacing. He didn't even have enough time to cry out, acting purely on instinct he reared back in an attempt to slow his speed. The jagged cliff came rushing towards him, all while the jungle canopy loomed dangerously close at his sudden decrease in altitude. With enormous effort, he pumped his wings downward in an attempt to slow his descent and turn away from the cliff. It didn't work, and with a terrible realization, he knew he would hit it.

Suddenly, a curious sensation shot down his spine and Zan knew more than adrenaline was coursing through his body. His mind became unnaturally sharp and clear in the face of imminent death and his limbs reacted on their own accord, extending towards the cliff as his pale claws pushed from their respective digits. Zan's mind had split in two, one side was his normal half; That watched in amazement as his body reacted in super fast-motion, pale blue ribbons of light spiralling down his limbs. The other half was consumed in Energy, the mysterious source of supernatural power that existed in some species. It's effectiveness varied from creature to creature. Some did not even know they had a connection to the ability, and it existed subconsciously in their mind. Making them faster, or stronger than average. Others, usually older, more experienced users could manipulate it in interesting ways, giving them some degree of telekinesis, or even precognition. For Zan, the only time his Energies 'activated', was in moments of extreme danger. The appearance it had on his body was a sure sign it was affecting him. The blue, sparkling lights that danced across his body both scared, and awed him, and he knew what he possessed was a rare gift.

In the past he had attempted to control his Energies by meditating and concentrating, but he had no such luck. It seemed they only showed during moments of danger where the difference between life or death was decided in seconds.

At the moment Zan knew it was one of those, and he gave his body over to the power that coursed through him. His claws struck the wet cliff in a jarring collision, scrabbling against the surface for purchase against the jagged, black rocks. For a moment, he was plummeting towards the jungle below, it rose up to greet him like the fangs of a giant beast . . . But in a second, it was over. His front paws flared with Energy and they found an outcropping of the wall, closing in a death grip over it's slippery surface. His lower legs kicked against the cliff, dislodging a number of small rocks that tumbled down into the canopy. They too, eventually caught hold of a small indent on the wall, and he soon found himself holding on to it precariously in the midst of the storm. For the moment, he was secure against the cliff. His Energies - deciding he was safe enough, dissipated in a spark of blue light, whisking away from his body, and leaving him physically drained and weakened.

The weight of the situation finally came crashing down upon him: He was clinging pathetically to a cliff, the rain pouring down on him in great sheets, with the wind tearing mercilessly at his body, Threatening to rip him off his foothold with it's sheer power. Fearfully, he glanced around him, water splashing into his eyes and ears, as he attempted to look at his surroundings. His wings felt heavy and useless, the water finally having drenched them to the point he could not fly. He flexed one of arms, testing his grip on the rock. It burned fiercely from strain, like hot fire searing his muscles and tendons. Very soon, he wouldn't be able to hold on any longer; And, glancing over his shoulder - the jungle was a long way down . . . Immediately, he looked away from the terrifying gap between him and the ground, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he sucked in more water than oxygen. Zan looked wildly around the cliff, searching for a ledge - anything that would support his weight.

His prayers we're answered when his eyes spotted a large, jagged crack in the otherwise undamaged canyon wall a few meters to his right. It looked ominous, crudely chiseled against the dark backdrop of the cliff side. Resembling more like the vicious slash of a giant beast than a simple cave. Ignoring the strange twang of fear in his gizzard, he climbed as carefully as his exhausted body would permit him to. Scrambling sideways against the rocks as his claws scraped against them in his effort to reach safety.

A few breathless seconds later, and he was within reach of the entrance. The wind howling around it's mouth as rain poured over him. Slowly, his arm screaming in pain, he reached out with his right paw to secure his grip. The boulder he was balancing on - choosing that moment to crumble away and fall downwards, Zan's body plummeting with it.

His gizzard leaped into his throat, and he found his left arm swinging up and covered in pale blue rivulets of light, grabbing the bottom of the cave and latching on. His right paw, which had slipped off with the boulder, joined it a second later as he dangled helplessly from the cliff.

His body, calling on some hidden reserve of power, began forcing him to pull his chest up and over the entrance. His hind claws digging into the rocks below as he pushed himself over the rim of the cave, and into it's darkness. As he crawled into the damp space, his body finally seemed to realize the condition he was in. A moment later, everything faded to black.

When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was that the storm outside was still raging in all it's glory. Lightning raked across the sky and the rain continued to pour down steadily as it had for the last two hours.

Zan lay still inside the damp cave for a few minutes, listening to the thunder crackle in the distance as he thanked the Guardians he was alive. Eventually, he rolled over and stood up shakily on his four legs. Groaning as his entire body sang with pain and exertion. His head throbbing as blood pounded at his temples. Almost unwillingly, he shook himself rapidly, sending a spray of water from his fur, feathers, and wings all around the room. He was amazed at how much there was as it spattered against the walls. He had truly been soaked.

As his eyes adjusted to the gloom of the cave, he thought inwardly how funny he must look: His white fur all puffed up, and his usually elegant mane of long pointy feathers; That went from his brow to all around his neck; Most likely stuck up at any angle now. Pushing the thought from his head, he looked at his surroundings: A fine mist drifted through the damp room, large stalactites hanging from the high roof as water dripped from their tips before falling to the dark, uneven stone floor.

There was something eerily disturbing about the cavern. He couldn't quite place it but deep down in his gut he couldn't get rid of the dark, foreboding sensation that existed there. Curiously, he gazed into the darkness that led deeper into the belly of the cliff, squinting into the gloom as he tried to see through the opaque blackness.

Something tickled the fur in his ears, a hiss almost . . . Instinctively, he rotated them forward and tilted his head to the side trying to pick up the sound. It was almost nonexistent, barely louder than a whisper, echoing around the cavern walls he stood between as it drifted lazily inside his head. Logic told him it was the wind whistling through the cave, but a dark place in his mind told him otherwise. Zan shut his eyes, trying to listen past the patter of water outside . . . The clap of thunder . . . The howling wind . . . But he was too late, the sound had evaporated into the air.

Opening his eyes, he found himself standing very alone, his fur standing on end, and his lean muscles taught with apprehension. The feeling in his gizzard mutated into spine-tingling fear, and he found himself backing away from the gaping maw of darkness in front of him, and towards the exit of the cave. Only stopping when the tip of his long, cat-like tail poked out into the rain and began to get wet. He stood facing away from outside, his bright blue eyes wide with fear.

Zan waited, standing stock-still. Unsure what to do. 'Your such a baby,' he thought to himself. 'Afraid of the dark like a little child.' He knew it was true, he was acting irrationally. Instead of standing around looking like an idiot, he should be marching into the cave to see if it was safe to sleep in. Safe to sleep in. Of course it was safe to sleep in, but it wouldn't hurt to check anyways. He was a gryphon, one of the bigger predators in the jungle, 'what do you have to worry about? Your supposed to be brave - '

• 'You'll see.'

The quiet, almost unnoticeable thought had appeared in the recess of his mind; Like it did not belong to him, and had stealthily wormed itself into his brain; Answering his previous conversation in a soft whisper, not unlike the strange echo he had heard in the cave moments ago. As the foreign thought disappeared, a deep, boiling terror bubbled up inside him as he realized something was horribly, horribly wrong -

• Zan shook his head vigorously, his cheek tufts and fringe bobbing up and down as a dizzying sensation swooped over him. For a second, he had no idea where he was, what he was doing, or where he was going . . . Another second passed, and suddenly everything came rushing back. Slowly, he lifted his gaze back towards the veil of darkness in front of him. Hesitating for a moment as a tiny part of him said something wasn't right, but he ignored it. Walking forward as if nothing had happened at all . . .

At the end of the cave, and in the middle of a large chamber, there was a quick flash of sharp, white teeth. The creature they belonged to, giving a knowing smile.

As Zan walked through the cave, he realized it wasn't as dark as he'd thought it was. All over the ceiling, narrow cracks tunnelled through the cliff, allowing thin streams of moonlight to filter inside, and cut through the gloom. He guessed the weather outside was letting up too, as only a small drops of water trickled through the multitude of holes above. The atmosphere itself had changed noticeably in the cave as well. The mist he'd noticed earlier in the cave had become considerably more dense, and it hung heavily in the air. He guessed it had something to do with the dramatic increase in temperature inside the tunnel. The jungle was always uncomfortably warm, but in here it was a sticky kind of heat. The type that matted his fur, and made his breath come in quick pants. It seemed the further he travelled into the cliff the warmer and mistier it got. There was also the smell.

Zan had noticed it several minutes ago, and he was getting slightly unnerved as it became more and more pronounced. At first, it had been nothing more than the faint smell of spice, but as he moved further towards it, it had become overwhelmingly powerful. Pressing deep into his nostrils and settling itself snugly in his brain.

It's not that it wasn't a bad smell. In fact, he found something unusually pleasant in it's strength. Almost as if a cozy warmth was spreading through his body, and lulling him into a sense of comfort. Even now, he couldn't deny the affect it was having on him, the smell of it being layered with a new, almost saltier undertone that made his head feel fuzzy. The thought that he should be worried about what was happening to him, and that he was supposed to be more careful, occurred to him, but he found his concerns didn't, well, concern him. He let himself slip into the hazy warmth that permeated his body.

He had been walking for several minutes when he stumbled into the centre of a large, almost circular room. The scent coming on so strongly that his body felt happily numbed. He gazed around in stunned surprise at his new surroundings. The chamber was easily a dozen meters wide as it was tall, it's black, stone walls smoother then they were in the tunnel. Moonlight flooded in from a crude circular oculus in the middle of the curving ceiling, casting everything in a shiny, silvery glow. Water dripped from it's opening, as Zan stood in the shallow puddle beneath it. The thick mist that had surrounded him earlier had lessened significantly, with only a few wisps swirling around him lazily as the moist heat of the room pressed against him. He sighed happily, closing his eyes and lifting his head, letting himself bask in the moonlight that shone around him; His body burning with an intense inner warmth that he felt with every beat of his heart. The pain in his muscles from earlier had gone, numbed by that incredibly powerful smell which seemed to emanate from the room itself. The events of the storm seemed long ago, and and he felt a strong urge to curl up right here and drift off into a deep, comfortable sleep; Lazily opening his eyes as he looked for a place to settle down.

Something moved behind him.

His body reacted instantly, the sleepiness that had been falling around him was gone in the blink of an eye, his torso spinning around as he turned to face whatever was behind him; Hackles rising defensively. He shrunk into a crouch, claws extended and ready for battle, his ears and fringe pressed tight against his head; As his beak opened into a hiss, ready to bite and tear.

The creature seemingly drifted out of the wall, tall dark and menacing, the colour of his dark hide, identical to the stones from where he blended in. Zan instantly shrunk back in fear, his backside hitting the far wall as he tried to put space between himself and the monster before him. He knew what it was, and it terrified him.

Dragons were said to have been extinct for hundreds and hundreds of years, yet the one in front of him proved that theory to be incredibly wrong. Legend told of their sharp minds, lightning-fast speed, and frightening lethality. They we're the perfect predator, coming out only at night to stalk their prey. Zan, like many others, thought that dragons we're just stories passed on over generations. He had no idea they we're very, very real.

The dragon before him was larger then himself. It stood semi-crouched on four legs, it's powerful muscles taught against it's scaleless hide, broad chest rising and falling against it's smooth flanks. Nestled between it's prominent shoulders was a long, flexible neck; It's elegant head resting at the top, cocked to the side curiously; Narrow muzzle twisted into a devious smile and showing off the many sharp white fangs that resided inside. In a way, there was a frightening beauty about the creature. A deadly mixture of power and elegance that it seemed to radiate outwards. Too soon, Zan found himself caught in the glare of the beast's piercing red eyes that glowed faintly; His own blue one's unable to look away; Locked by fear.

The dragon was sizing him up. It's gaze raked over his body in quick sweeps, Zan's mind screaming at him to react, to run, to defend himself, but he didn't. Something about the creature's posture told him that it wasn't about to strike. It's long, thick tail; Which should have been rigid and curved, glided casually through the air, and the leathery wings attached to it's back, we're too . . . relaxed, to be in an attacking position. Zan hesitated, paralysed by fear and waiting for something to happen. Almost dreading the moment it did. The dragon continued to stare at him in it's penetrating gaze, a curious expression inside those black, circular pupils. And then suddenly, it spoke.

"I was wondering when you would awaken," It said. It's voice sounding like low thunder, vibrating through the gryphon's lean chest and echoing through the chamber as it reverberated off the walls.

For a moment, Zan was speechless, his beak hanging open. All beings communicated, some in different languages, but the fact that this creature was talking to him boggled his mind.

"W-What?" he stammered, his voice trembling in shock. The dragon cocked his head to the side inquisitively, waiting for him to respond. He recovered quickly. "How - How did you know I was here?"

The dragon tapped the side of his head with a long, dark talon. A sly glint in his eye. "I sensed your arrival," he answered, flashing a large fanged grin.

Zan flinched away instinctively at the sight of those sharp teeth, his gizzard twisting nervously; It was a sinister, cunning smile. There was nothing friendly about it.

"Sensed?" He asked uncomprehendingly. More confused each second.

The dragon's eyes narrowed, glowing like embers in the moonlight, his eery grin broadening. "Watch this," he commanded.

An aura of red light suddenly filled the entire room, casting the walls in it's faint, crimson glow. Zan looked around in surprise, until he realized the light was coming from the being in front of him; Emanating off the dragon in a powerful aura. Slowly, the creature lifted it's front arm; And as it did, dozens of red sparks appeared all over the limb, jumping along it's length like tiny bolts of electricity.

In seconds, two of them collided, suddenly melding together and becoming larger and faster in their movements; Dancing around the drake's arm in erratic leaps. Soon more and more of the sparks merged together, until only a few large ones remained.

Satisfied, the dragon closed the claws on his raised arm together. When they touched, the violent bolts instantly jumped from the limb and onto his body; Multiplying until his entire hide was covered in a pulsing mass of lightning that surged around him. The dragon raised his gaze to Zan, his normally red eyes now blazing red with the powerful force that surrounded him.

And then . . . it was over. The dragon lowered his arm to the ground, and the electric bolts dissipated; Dissolving off his body in a thin, red mist until they disappeared into the air. His eyes slowly returned to their less startling red as the crimson glow in the cavern vanished. Plunging them once more into the moonlight that filtered through the oculus above.

Zan stared in awe at the display of power, speechless at what he just witnessed. The mysterious glow from the dragon was the same mystical Energy that he possessed as well, but different in every way. While Zan had no control over when his Energies controlled him, the dragon could call upon them with the slightest ease. Almost as if it we're as natural as breathing, flying, or hunting. The sheer power of it too was immense, something Zan had never dreamed of: The way it lit up the whole room as it bounded across the dragon's body in arching bolts of lightning left Zan with a sense that it was much more powerful than his own, pale, twisting ribbons of light. What bothered him most of all though, was the colour of the Energy that the dragon wielded; Blood red and almost . . . Evil looking. From the legends Zan heard, Energy had always been a shade of blue, not violent red . . .

Which brought him back to the point of how the dragon had sensed his arrival. It was quite clear now: He had the power to use his Energies to detect other creatures even if he could not see them. If the dragon could do that; what else was he capable of? A shiver of fear tingled up Zan's spine at the thought.

"Do you know what that was?" the dragon asked suddenly in his deep, baritone voice.

Zan hesitated for a moment, before answering with a silent, nod of his head.

"Then you understand what I'm capable of.".

Zan didn't know what to say. Settling for staring at the floor near the dragon's feet. He didn't think he'd be able to handle the dragon's penetrating gaze again.

There was a pause, in which the dragon turned his back on the gryphon and looked up at the oculus in the ceiling. Almost as if the conversation bored him. Zan sensed the tension in the air. Something told him that the end to their unusual banter was coming to a close. And he didn't relish the idea of seeing what would happen when it did. Quickly, he sneaked a glance at the entrance he came through while the dragon wasn't looking. Zan didn't like his chances, but maybe he could make it out if he got a head start. Maybe.

Almost as if he read Zan's mind, the dragon turned around to face him. Red eyes blazing.

"Tell me gryphon," he asked casually. "Are you afraid of me?"

The question caught Zan off guard, and he struggled to think of an appropriate answer.

"That depends I guess," he settled for.

There was the slightest twist of a smile at sides of the dragon's snout.

"Depends on what?" He asked.

"Well . . . If you're going to - er - eat me or not," Zan said quietly. Not exactly excited to hear the answer.

The dragon smiled at him. Apparently enjoying the distress he was causing the young gryphon. He strode side-to-side across the room, his eyes always on Zan as he thought of what to say. The silence dragging on and on in the room until Zan could swear he heard his own heartbeat over the dripping water from the ceiling.

"So . . . are you going to or not?"

The dragon rounded on him, his claws clicking on the stone floor.

"Yes, in time, I will feed on you. But not in the way -"

Zan didn't let him finish. He had heard what had to be said and the worst of his fears had been confirmed. He was in fact, to become dinner, and so - he ran. His blue Energies spinning along his limbs as he leaped into action; Sprinting for the entrance way he had came through in the first place, not bothering to look behind him as he tore past the dragon. His mind was set in grim determination as he plunged through the opening, and into the tunnel that led to his freedom. Knowing that if his Energies we're helping him, he would surely succeed. For this reason, when he felt the steely talons grab his hind leg, he was more surprised scared. How had he been caught? He had been running so fast . . .

The sharp tug brought him back to reality as he fell onto his stomach with the sheer force of it. All his energies fading at the sight of the dragon behind him, fiery red lightning coursing around his body in leaping arches. Zan scrabbled desperately with his forepaws against the rocky ground, his claws scraping uselessly in his attempt to escape. Another powerful tug later, and he felt himself being dragged all the way back down into the chamber, his body bouncing painfully along the uneven floor.

Suddenly, he was lifted off his feet and spun upside down; Before being slammed into the puddle beneath the oculus. The water matting the fur on his back, the moon high above making him squint as the light blazed down upon him. He lay there stunned, his vision a blurry mess. A dark figure loomed over his head and he blinked to shake off the dizziness; Hissing in defence when he found himself staring into the eyes of the dragon above him. Zan lifted his shoulders off the ground and swung his left paw at the dragon's head in a quick strike. The beast caught it easily and slammed it to the ground beside Zan, doing the same to his other paw a second later. Zan hissed again in his hopeless state, his eyes turning to angry slits. The dragon covered his entire body from beak to tail, his weight pressing down onto him, slowly, he lowered his muzzle next to Zan's head.

"You should not have run," he whispered into his ear, his voice soft and soothing.

"didn't give me . . . much of a choice," Zan answered, straining against the powerful creature atop him.

" That is because when you - tried - to escape, I was in the middle of telling you something," he stated. "Should I explain it to you again?"

Zan didn't answer, because the scent that he had somehow forgotten about for the last few minutes was suddenly upon him again in full strength. And he knew instantly, it came from the dragon; Emanating off him in a powerful wave, made all the stronger by the fact he was lying atop of Zan. It's effect was quick and debilitating, his struggles becoming weaker and weaker as the feral scent overcame him. His body tingling pleasantly as the warmth passed from vertebrae to vertebrae, travelling up his spine in soothing waves. When it reached his head, he lay all but unresisting to the dragon. It fogged his mind in it's spicy aroma, and he basked in it's terrible, lulling comfort. The soaking heat of the room itself seeming to augment the effect it had on him.

The dragon smiled sinisterly at his helpless state, his eyes travelling over Zan's panting body approvingly. "I will take that as a yes," He purred. The sound of his voice making Zan shiver in something other than fear.

"In time," The dragon reiterated from earlier. "I will feed on you. But not in the way you would think normal. At the moment, I do not hunger for flesh, or meat, or bone: I crave something else. Something that you, can provide for me."

Zan pushed through the haze in his mind. "W-what are you t-talking about?" he asked, not altogether reassured.

The dragon's eyes lit up bright red as Energy flared across his body.

'You'll see.'

Zan's own widened in surprise, the voice had come from inside his head and was unmistakably that of the creature in front of him. Hazily, a memory from earlier came drifting back. He had heard the exact same words in the tunnel . . . The surprise in his eyes turned to fear. Realization dawned on him:

The dragon could read, and influence minds.

His struggles redoubled as sparks of red Energy lit up all over the dragon's arms and began jumping immediately along it's length to Zan's own paws. He fought against the iron grip holding him in place, glancing fearfully from the bolts of lightning, to the dragon's glowing eyes. As the first spark touched his trapped arm, a feeling of electrifying bliss lanced along it's outstretched length and into his spine. He cried out despite himself as the invading Energies continued their domination of his body, shooting up his forearms, to his biceps and finally his shoulders. As soon as they reached his neck, Zan knew he was in trouble, His body felt numb and sensitive, each touch of the arching electricity sending a pulse of tingling warmth through him. Curling up, he tensed as the Energy flowed into his eyes, ears and beak. It got straight into his heart and suddenly, it was everywhere inside him; Becoming part of his body and leaving him in an exhausted, weakened state. Zan stopped struggling against the dragon's hold, and willingly submitted himself to him; Going limp and not caring whether he lived or died anymore. Only wishing that body wracking pleasure never ended . . .

'You like that don't you?' The dragon said in Zan's mind, his voice nothing more than a subtle whisper.

'Yes, Yes, please - don't stop.' He answered in thought. Feeling a slight twinge of disgust at his own willingness.

'Look at me and it will not.'

Zan realized his eyes we're closed hard, and obediently, he opened them to the dragon; Getting caught in their blood red stare. A curious swooping sensation suddenly shooting over him as he gazed into the dragon's pupils. Zan felt as if he were being drawn into them . . . The darkness total and penetrating . . . Never ending . . .

In an instant it was over . . . But something was different . . . Through the haze of the spicy, salty scent, the Energy flowing into him, and heat of the room; He realized there was a presence inside his brain. A little worm digging into his thoughts and memories; Sifting through them, and choosing which ones it wanted to see. It was uncomfortable and irritating as it invaded his mind. And something clicked in Zan. A sudden burning anger twisting through his body as he imagined what the Dragon was doing. Zan wanted it to stop. Wanted everything to stop. With intense effort, he forced himself back to reality.

"Get - out - of - my - head!" He shouted at the face in front of him, furious at being so defenceless and weak, a tool for his captor to manipulate.

An image of concern crossed the dragon's face, as if Zan's reaction wasn't anticipated . . . It disappeared in a moment, being replaced with a look of surprised amusement. The flow of Energy stopped; And Zan felt himself regain some semblance of normalcy. The burning scent was still there however, and the presence in his head was more noticeable then ever. Squirming madly through his mind.

"Ah - I am surprised you can resist such . . . Temptations. You must be strong indeed." The dragon hissed happily.

"So this -" He said panting, "- this is all just a test to you?"

"In some ways it is, yes, but enough; Now you answer my questions."

Zan felt his brain lurch as the mental worm in his head wriggled repeatedly to emphasize the dragon's point.

"Fu - Fuck you," he spat. A small part of him fearing what the dragon was about to do next.

'What is your name?' The presence in his head asked forcefully.

A look of surprise crossed Zan's face at the odd question. He recovered quickly.

"I'm not telling you . . . anything!"

The worm dug harder into his brain, and painfully, Zan saw a memory of his childhood brought to the forefront of his mind:

Hunting with my dad, catching my first bat. It changed as soon as it had appeared:

My mom, grooming my fur. He felt a pang of longing at the sight . . . Another memory:

My parents talking to me, deciding on my name - He tried to push it away, disgusted by the fact the dragon could peer into his personal thoughts so easily. He was too slow, It floated forward unstoppably:

• Zan . . .

"Zan," The dragon murmured to himself, as if experimenting with a new word. A smile curling at his edges of his snout. "What an interesting name."

The gryphon stared at him scathingly. Hating him. The dragon noticed and his smile turned into a leer. The worm wriggled hungrily.

'What is your age?' It asked.

Zan tried to fight the presence in his head as it desecrated more of his memories, searching through them carelessly until it found what it wanted; Prying the thought from his mental grasp and exposing it greedily:

Eighteen cycles old, whelp.

"Only a whelp?" The dragon asked, mildly surprised. He looked down at Zan's feathered wings. The smile on his face widening as he noticed the soft, white down still clinging to them.

In gryphon culture, a whelp was just older than a youngling. They we're almost fully grown, but had very little knowledge about the world around them. To the older gryphons, they we're thought of as carefree, naive and essentially considered older younglings. This made them mostly unpopular with anyone outside their life stage, especially with females. Even though they had the ability to breed; Their youthful attitudes and lack of knowledge about certain things, made their chance of seducing a mate, very unlikely.

The dragon seemed to realize this, much to the dismay of Zan.

'have you ever bred before?' The dragon asked in his smooth, growling voice.

Zan felt the skin under his feathers burn in embarrassment at the sudden, personal question.

"Wha-what?" He spluttered. "No . . . How did you - How do you know?" He admitted accidentally. The dragon, taking advantage of this moment of weakness, pressed the mental assault on his mind to a new level. Blinding, excruciating pain suddenly exploding in Zan's head as the worm burrowed deep inside his skull in it's search for information. The gryphon screwed his eyes shut in agony at the unwanted intrusion. His private memories and previous thoughts rushed forward, eager to reveal themselves. His final, most secret memory flooded into his mind's eye:

I'm only a newborn, and I've met a female wolf pup in the forest.

The image of his forbidden childhood friend appeared to him.

She's small, like me. Soft grey fur covers her body, her kind, green eyes are friendly and warm. We're friends instantly. We play a lot in the jungle, I like hide-and-seek, but she likes tag. I guess it's because she's faster then me on the ground, I can't fly yet anyways.

The memory sprung forward a few weeks:

Her name is Shaela, We spend time together, telling each other about our races' cultures. Wolves are really interesting, and she thinks gryphons are too! I asked her if her parents knew about us being friends. She said they didn't. For some reason, I don't think my parents would like to know either.

A cycle passes:

My parents found me talking with her in a clearing. I've never seen them that mad. My mom drags me away, and suddenly, Shaela's parents appear out of the jungle. Everyone's yelling, My dad and her's are circling each and growling as we get separated. I catch a glance of her startled green eyes looking at me, she's scared, like myself. I didn't know it would be the last time I'll ever see her. . .

The agony pounding through Zan's head faded away along with the memory. He lay there curled on the ground, whimpering like he was a newborn again; His mind flayed raw. All his memories had been ripped from his head and displayed brutally. The dragon, he realized, knew everything about him.

"How touching. You had a little friend I see." The dragon said as he released control on Zan's mind. The worm disappearing.

The gryphon closed his eyes as he shuddered, wishing he could disappear. The dragon wasn't even bothering to hold him down anymore; Simply standing over his body and watching him intently.

"Tell me Zan. Did you like her?"

He didn't move. And the dragon hissed softly. A sound Zan had associated with laughter.

"Do you still like her?"

He shook his head slowly, his cheek tufts rubbing against the stone floor. His pitiful attempt at a lie made the dragon laugh again.

"I know you still do, because I can read your every thought."

Zan stopped shaking. He opened his eyes, staring blankly at the dragon's front claws beside his head. All his secrets exposed, he had been defeated; Completely, and utterly. And still, he didn't know why.

"What -" he asked, his voice sounding cracked and hoarse, "- do you want with me?

The dragon lowered his head so he was level with Zan. Placing a claw on the side of the gryphon's cheek, he lifted it upwards gently, almost lovingly, until Zan was locked in his red eyes.

"I want you." He said, whispering in his ear.

Zan's eyes widened in surprise as the dragon wrapped both clawed hands around his head, talons digging roughly into his fringe and feathers as his lithe body was bound against the dragon's in a powerful hug. Zan found he was suddenly beak-to-snout with him; His mouth hanging agape at what was happening. The dragon growled happily at seeing him so confused and unresisting; Pressing his mouth against Zan's and pushing him to the hard floor in a loving kiss, talons roving over his feathers gently as his snout pushed further and further into his beak; Eager to claim as much as Zan's mouth for himself as possible.

Zan's mind was blank, he didn't know what was happening, yet, he didn't care. The feeling of the dragon's hot breath inside him, his hands roving over his feathers, and the feeling of his body pressed against his stirred feelings in him that he had never felt before; But he couldn't deny they felt good. Eagerly, he opened his beak more and more as the dragon vigorously embraced him, his face thrashing against his as he easily dominated the smaller gryphon. Zan revelled in the heat that suffused his body at the dragon's touch. The scent seemed to have magnified tenfold, sending pangs of pleasure coursing through him as the dragon purred enthusiastically at his reaction.

Something wet and slick brushed against the inside of his beak, and Zan flinched back in disgust as he realized it was the dragon's tongue. His gaze met with him fleetingly for a moment. And he knew that was a mistake instantly. The dragon's eyes flashed dangerously, and he felt the tongue suddenly press against his own pink one. It was hot and flexible, entwining around his like a snake and covering it's surface in it's smooth, moist texture.

Zan struggled against the dragon's grasp, trying to pull away from the organ in him as it glided across the inside of his beak in soft, flicking strokes.

The dragon responded sinisterly; Pressing his head into the ground and brutally forcing his tongue slowly down Zan's throat. He gagged repeatedly as it slid inside him like a centipede, leaving a burning trail of warmth in it's wake. The dragon took obvious pleasure at the panic he was causing him, cruelly lashing his tongue deeper and deeper until Zan was gasping for air. His own tongue was useless against the vicious onslaught. The taste of spice was apparent and overwhelming, his eyes watering as darkness formed at the edges of his vision. He was about to pass out, yet his muffled cries went unheard. The dragon showed no signs of stopping in his conquest. His snout easily overpowering the gryphon's beak as he continuously wound himself deeper into Zan. His steaming wet saliva coating his throat as blackness overcame him . . .

Oxygen suddenly surged into Zan's lungs as he choked in air, the tongue inside him retracting quickly from his mouth; Dragging along his own as it slipped out of his beak, and slapping wetly across his cheek. Zan's vision cleared in seconds as he lay panting on his back; His claws dug deep into the ground beside him. Dizzily, he looked at what had been inside his throat for so long, disbelief painting across his face at what he saw.

It was easily a foot long and deep purple in colour; Saliva dripping in long strands from it's length and making it's perfectly smooth texture shine with moisture. It flicked reflexively in the air as it slid into the dragon's snout; Thick, and ending in a forked tip. Similar to that of a serpent.

The dragon lifted his eyes and gazed at Zan, grinning wickedly and licking his snout.

"You taste incredible," the dragon said truthfully. His eyes sparkling.

Something was wrong with Zan. A fiery passion raced through his body as soon as the dragon had broke away. And with a jolt, he realized he had highly enjoyed the savage dominance that had been forced upon him. Suddenly finding himself straining his beak imploringly to the dragon, eager for another embrace.

"You enjoyed that didn't you whelp?" The dragon whispered, his tongue slipping out and licking the gryphon's neck affectionately.

He nodded and whined, nuzzling his beak desperately against the his muzzle.

The dragon smiled, letting his tongue run along Zan's chest to his temple teasingly, before pressing his snout against his beak again. This time being more gentle, and letting his hot tongue rove around Zan's own; Twisting and pushing against it in an exotic dance inside the gryphon's mouth.

Zan sighed inwardly at the sensation, closing his eyes as the he drifted off into a dreamlike state; Happily letting the dragon continue with his loving embrace, his snout nipping and flexing as as he explored the gryphon's mouth.

A curious sensation shot over him. The burning passion that flowed through his veins began pulsing to his lower body. His mind dimly processing the feeling of it pooling around his waist like molten lava, heating up and coursing through his groin in waves of warmth. He was acutely aware of the being's weight upon him; Rubbing against his own body roughly and ruffling his fur; The dragon's powerful hands caressing his long, feathered fringe in deep strokes . . .

Zan gasped and broke the kiss as he felt the liquid heat throb inside his white sheath; His cock suddenly sliding out and hanging limply against his stomach. The dragon tensed above him as if struck by electricity, evidently feeling it pressed against his own waist. His red eyes meeting Zan's with an excited glint inside them as he realized what had just happened. The gryphon panted desperately underneath the dragon's strong body as an unknown feeling coursed through him. Consuming his mind and making him whimper with need.

The dragon stood up off of Zan, wiping away a long string of saliva attached to their mouths lazily. His tongue flicked back into his snout as he looked underneath his chest at Zan's exposed member, An approving look on his face as it hung flaccid against Zan's lean stomach. Soft and pink, with dozens of small barbs covering it's rounded tip. It's base was surrounded by thick, ruffled fur that stood at uneven lengths, his white sheath tingling sensitively as his furry white balls hung loose against him.

Zan looked at his own member in a mixed feeling of shame, guilt and lust. Whining shyly as the dragon took a few steps back and gazed at it casually, his tail swishing slowly behind him. Seemingly satisfied, the dragon raised his head and met Zan's gaze.

"How cute," he said slyly, eyes glinting happily.

Zan was glad he had feathers, because he was blushing furiously at the comment and at his inability to push his powerful emotions aside.

"Are you attracted to me little gryphon?"

"Yes," he admitted quietly. The dragon hissed in approval. Subtly backing up so he was behind Zan's splayed legs.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"N-no."

The dragon nodded, then forcefully grabbed Zan's legs by the back of his hamstrings, lifting his lower body into the air; And pushing forward so the gryphon's hips rested above his own feathered chest.

Before he even knew what was happening, the dragon spread his legs to the side; His head visible between them as he rested his chest on the gryphon's backside.

"I want you to beg for it."

Zan squirmed in the slightly awkward position. Aware how close the dragon was to his tailhole.

"Sorry - what?" He asked, distracted by his dangling cock a foot away from his beak.

"Beg," the dragon hissed at him. Red Energy flickering in his eyes.

Upon hearing the dragon speak those words, a pulse of liquid heat raced through him. Zan cried out in pleasure as it coursed straight to his groin.

"Please - please . . ." The words just came to him, and he said them without second thought. The dragon grinned at his willingness, shooting a spark of Energy straight into his thigh. Zan whimpered again as it arched along his leg and disappeared into his floppy member. An immediate warmth burning along it's length.

"I want you to mean it."

"Please . . . Do whatever you want . . . I'm - I'm all yours. He said with only the slightest moment of hesitation. The dragon smiled wickedly, shoving Zan's legs further apart with his powerful arms.

"I know," he said simply, his tongue suddenly unfurling from his mouth until it shone in the moonlight above. Zan watched it in awe as it hung there for a moment before plunging downward and giving his exposed tailhole a long, extended lick.

Zan arched his back in ecstasy at the sensation it caused; Gasping in enjoyment as he felt it's entire length slide along his tight, pink pucker. Leaving a wet trail of saliva as it's pronged tip gave him a final, teasing flick. His body relaxed as the tongue finished it's trek, panting heavily in amazement at the affect it had on his body.

The dragon looked down and raised an eye ridge at the expression on Zan's face.

"Sensitive are we?"

He gazed at him in awe.

"That . . . Was . . . Amazing."

The dragon smiled and pressed the soft pad of his thumb gently on Zan's tailhole; Rubbing it along it's pink surface and earning a satisfied whimper from the gryphon underneath.

"You taste like a virgin."

Zan gave a small, embarrassed smile; His beak curving up at the corners.

"I love the taste of virgins." He added menacingly, his tongue poking out a bit. "Do you want more?"

Zan nodded his head vigorously, wriggling his hips hungrily for another go.

The dragon growled in approval at the sight, returning his firm grasp to the gryphon's hamstrings.

"I'm going to lick you until you wish I never stop." He whispered evilly, winking at Zan and spreading the gryphon's legs a second time.

Zan shivered in anticipation, gulping as a tiny part of him wondered if what the dragon said was true.

He found out a second later as the tongue rolled out of the creatures mouth with a wet 'slurping' noise. It's rippling, purple mass seemed to have a mind of it's own as it pushed against his sphincter and slid greedily up against it. Zan's fingers and toes curled in ecstasy as the tongue lashed up and down against him. His eyes we're screwed shut as his mind went blank. The feeling of it's wetness sending shooting spasms of bliss through him; Saliva dripping in long strands from his hips at it's continuous stimulation.

Zan didn't know how long he stayed there, his beak hanging open and his tongue lolling out. Seconds, minutes - it didn't matter . . . Time had frozen still and all he cared about now was the pulsing warmth surging through him . . .

The tongue withdrew a second time. Zan's eyes opened to it dancing tantalizingly in the air, glistening with moisture.

"Why . . .Why did you stop?" He panted in exhaustion.

"I was thinking you could tell me." The dragon said, indicating to Zan's groin with a tilt of his head.

Zan looked down and gasped in surprise: His once soft member now stood rigidly erect a few inches from his beak. The tiny barbs covering the rounded tip we're now stiff and sensitive with excitement. His long, smooth shaft pulsing with the blood flowing through the red veins painted along it's pink surface; It's length curving slightly upwards along his belly.

Zan was at a loss for words. He had never seen his cock like this before, but it felt so natural in it's current state: Trembling with an unknown, pent up need just waiting to be released; His balls hanging tight against his sheath . . . He glanced up at the dragon in bewilderment, not knowing what to say or do.

A look of understanding flashed across the dragon's face, he grinned broadly.

"You've never felt this way before have you whelp?"

Zan nodded his head slowly, his prick bobbing up and down with it. The dragon's grin widened.

"It is a sign of you maturing, of growing older," he explained. "And It's bothersome, is it not?"

He whined softly in agreement. His cock aching almost painfully from base to tip.

"I can - teach you, how to deal with it," the dragon whispered softly. "Make you feel pleasure like no other . . . Do you want that little gryphon?"

"Yes - please,"

"Good, I'm glad to see your so cooperative," he said. Slowly reaching down and brushing the base of the gryphon's member with a talon, earning a quiet yelp of surprise. "Do you have any thought as to what this is for?"

Zan sighed at the highly intimate touch, for some reason, he knew his answer would sound childish.

"Um, peeing?" He said shyly, looking away from the dragon's eyes and blushing softly when he heard the hiss of laughter.

"True, but not quite. It has a second use," there was a quiet pause as the dragon gazed knowingly at him. "It is used for breeding."

Zan was surprised at this answer. It didn't all make sense, but he suddenly had an idea why his parents we're always so keen to avoid the: 'Where do hatchlings come from' question.

"How does it, um, 'work'? He asked quietly, eagerly wanting to know the answer but embarrassed by his lack of knowledge all the same.

The dragon laughed again, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Maybe it will be better if I, show you," he said slyly.

Zan gulped nervously, but nodded in anticipation at what was next; The dragon smiled wickedly at him.

"Good answer," he hissed. Casually reaching down and beginning to stroke the tip of Zan's cock, teasingly sliding along his delicate barbs in playful flicks. Zan's body tensed immediately at the overwhelmingly sensitive feeling it caused. Squirming in enjoyment as the dragon skillfully massaged his nubs; Growling in approval at the reaction he had caused.

"You have such a handsome looking member, little gryphon," he said soothingly.

Zan closed his eyes and shivered at the compliment, growing more aroused by the second. The spicy scent of his captor nestled deep inside him.

"Soft and smooth, just like your white feathers," he continued. His masterful hand roaming down Zan's shaft, gliding up and down It's length at a slow, gentle pace.

The way he was speaking was taking it's tole on the gryphon. Zan sighed blissfully at the effect the dragon had on him. His words, his actions, even his smell had an entrancing power woven into it. Everything he did was - perfect.

"You seem large for a whelp. Are you all this big?"

"I don't think so," he murmured. "I might be a taller than average but . . ." He trailed off as the dragon began rubbing his belly with his other hand, ruffling his and feathers as he brushed along them. Zan inadvertently began purring very loudly.

"Not your height," The dragon said, sounding slightly annoyed at his naivete. "I meant this;" Giving Zan's member a light squeeze. The gryphon groaned.

"I don't know, does it really matter?" He asked lazily. Completely relaxed by the dragon's ministrations

"Maybe, maybe not. Though some females tend to have certain . . . preferences, to the larger sizes."

Zan's ears perked up at the mention of females, suddenly interested.

"Do you think, um, I'm big? He asked sheepishly. The dragon looked at him curiously, a smile curling at his snout.

"Yes, I do."

Zan's chest swelled proudly at the comment. If the dragon thought so, he knew it was true. His fears about never mating became slightly less pronounced.

"Are you ready to begin?"

Zan's didn't even need to think about it, he just nodded. His body burning with heat and his cock throbbing harder then ever.

"Prepare yourself," was the only warning he got before the dragon re-gripped his hamstrings and forced his legs apart. Zan's paws instinctively dug into the stone floor in readiness as the tongue rolled out and dipped towards his tailhole yet again. He closed his eyes right before contact, waiting for the mind numbing pleasure . . . It didn't come. He opened his eyes and stared in shock at what was about to happen . . .

The purple tongue hovered in the air for a second, before shooting towards him in a blur. He had no time to prepare at all. It's burning forked tip pressed against his virgin opening, meeting only the smallest of resistance as the tip easily squirmed inside.

Zan shouted in initial surprise, but soon found himself moaning in ecstasy as it's length slid further inside him; It's flexible, lubricated mass easily allowing it to glide in and out of his tight pucker as it throbbed away inside; Leaving the gryphon panting and groaning in rapture. His head was giddy with pleasure, boiling heat blazing through his body like fireworks. Blearily, he looked up, the dragon was gauging his expression, eyes glowing red.

'Like it? Watch this.' His voice said in Zan's head, echoing inside his skull and sending a complimentary burst of pleasure burning through his veins. The gryphon obeyed, watching in stunned disbelief as the dragon's tongue squirmed quickly side-to-side, sinking slowly inside him and spreading his tailhole wider and wider, It's thick, purple mass disappearing into his passageway. It didn't hurt at all Zan realized, the tongue's squishy texture and moist exterior provided a painless penetration. It's fiery saliva coating acting as an aphrodisiac as it slathered his interior with it's liquids.

Roughly, the dragon shoved the remaining amount of tongue into Zan; His snout spread wide open around the gryphon's bum, his fangs uncomfortably close to Zan's balls. The wriggling member causing delight the gryphon had never dreamed of as it's tip struck something deep inside him; Immediately flicking against his prostate and massaging it vigorously.

Zan thought he would pass out from sheer euphoria as the massive, foot-long tongue flexed through him and rubbed whatever sensitive thing it had found, It's stimulation somehow causing his hard cock to throb with in mutual enjoyment. His mind clouded over as the dragon thrashed away inside him, and vaguely, he noticed his bobbing member before his blurry eyes . . .Begging for something to touch it . . .

Without a thought, he leaned forward and instinctively opened his beak wide. His flexible body easily covered the distance to his pulsing member, It's barbed tip rising up to meet him. It sunk into his mouth; The end of his beak bumping against the dragon's snout. And his bright blue eyes met red; They burned into him knowingly, and he felt himself being drawn into their black pupils . . .

'Do it' the dragon's voice said inside him.

He did, closing his beak around his thick member and whining like a newborn at the feeling that blasted through it's length. His eyes watering and rising up into the back of his head as his rough tongue roved against his own cock in marvel; Revelling in the intense pleasure it caused him. Immediately, he began bucking his head against it; Feeling for the first time - his own barbs, his smooth shaft, and his furry sheath. His mind reeling from the overload of sensations passing through him. The dragon read his mind, speeding his tongue up until it began slapping aggressively against his pucker, saliva dribbling down his back in long, slimy strands. Zan ran his own tongue over and around his barbs as he sucked himself. They tingled unbearably; Their tips feeling hard and sensitive under his care.

A creeping warmth slithered down Zan's cock; Emanating from his insides. His lower body felt like it was on fire as it spread through him. Dizzily he realized his prick felt like it was growing stiffer and stiffer. He sped up desperately, mashing his head against it erratically as the dragon's tongue churned inside him. The pleasure rising until Zan thought he'd go mad; His cock feeling like a dam ready to burst, as if something inside it was fighting to explode from it's tip.

He didn't know what did it. Perhaps it was the final, fleeting lick from the tongue as it slid out of his tailhole. Or maybe it was the last, brutal stroke of his mouth along it's burning length: But his cock tensed for a second, before it erupted inside his beak; His mind buckling as ecstasy he thought impossible pulsed through him.

The first burst of hot, steamy cum pumped into his beak. It coated his tongue in it's thick, creamy texture. Whatever he thought it was, it tasted amazing; Sweet and sugary, but with a salty overtone. Instantly, another blast emptied inside him, and he whimpered as his cock throbbed powerfully in delight. It filled his beak, covering his mouth in it's wonderful texture. He swallowed it hungrily, feeling the liquid course down his throat in a hot wave. His abdomen burning as it landed inside his stomach.

He had barely finished when more and more of the fluid exploded from the tip of his cock. His tailhole clenching reflexively as pleasure scorched through his waist, travelling from his rump, to his member, as it pumped copious amounts of sperm inside the gryphon's own mouth. He swallowed it happily, his throat bobbing up and down as more of his own cum pulsed into him. He wondered when it would all end . . . Hoping it wouldn't . . .

Zan's eyes widened in surprise as he felt it pour out of the corner's of his beak. He couldn't swallow anymore, his own body wouldn't let him. He felt it run down the fur on his cheeks and pool on the ground beside his head.

As his cock gave a few final, angry spurts; The mind-wracking pleasure began to subside slowly. It left a thick, heady scent in the air and he sighed as an enjoyable afterglow began drifting through him. The dragon released him, and he slumped to the floor, groaning at what had just happened.

Zan lay there for a few moments, unable to move, his eyes blinking slowly as he pieced together what he had just experienced. It was life-changing, the emotions that had coursed through his body just now . . . The feelings . . . All he wanted to do was sleep, yet, he wanted to experience it all over again. Every single moment had been pure euphoria, but now - it was over . . .

For now.

After a minute of recovery, he slowly rolled over onto his side. Groaning as his cheek landed straight in the tiny pool of the sticky, pure white liquid beside his head. He didn't know what kind of substance it was, but it certainly wasn't pee he realized with a twinge of relief. How embarrassing would it be if he had been swallowing his own urine? He shuddered at the thought.

But if it wasn't pee, what was it? He raised a limp paw and tried to wipe it off his feathers. It only matted them together further. Now it was on his paw too. Great.

A little frustrated, he stuck out his tongue and began licking his paw; Earning some satisfaction when it started to come out. He sighed at the pleasant taste of it; So foreign yet so familiar. Now all he had to do was get the stuff out of his fur on his cheeks and he'd be all clean. Zan frowned when he thought about how he would accomplish that . . . His tongue wasn't long enough.

"Let me."

Zan almost yelped when he heard the dragon's voice. He had completely forgotten he wasn't alone. Shakily, he stood up, his legs wobbling like rubber. Directly in front of him was the dragon, sitting calmly on his haunches with his tail curved around his legs. The light from the oculus bathed him in it's glow as he glared at the gryphon intently.

Zan didn't move as the dragon thick, scaly tail unfurled from around his feet and he sauntered over. His body moving with the fluidity of water; Barely making a sound as he walked right up to the gryphon. He breathed in the dragon's heady musk with a shudder; Uncomfortable at being so close to him; Not daring to move, or protest as he watched the dragon's moist tongue unfurl from it's owners mouth and glide towards his face; the dragon's red eyes never wavering from his own.

He felt the hot tongue brush against the feathers on his cheek like a wet leaf; Gently dragging upwards as the dragon licked him. He sighed at the intimate touch. For a moment, the memory of his mother doing the same act floated to the forefront of his mind, grooming him when he was young . . . He lowered his head as a sudden pang of sadness overcame him.

"What is the matter gryphon?" The dragon asked calmly, his tongue flicking back into his mouth as he finished cleaning Zan.

"It's - it's nothing." he replied, unable to keep the tone of melancholy out of his voice.

"You miss her don't you?" the dragon said suddenly, quietly. The amount of emotion in the single question startled Zan.

"No! Well - I mean . . . not really . . ." He trailed off, feeling childish.

There was a brief moment of silence where only the sound of the water dripping from the dank ceiling above could be heard echoing around the room. A steady, constant drip that sounded far louder then it should have in the emptiness that filled the air. Zan slowly lifted his head into the dragon's eyes; He was staring at him with a questioning look on his face, an eye ridge raised curiously as he waited for the gryphon to confess.

Zan took a deep breath, the heat of the room pressing into him. He felt the giddy tingle of the dragon's scent entwine itself around his lungs and settle somewhere near his heart. He tried to ignore it, but the pungent scent made him feel woozy. He had to answer.

"It's just that . . . I don't understand why they push us out of the roost so soon. I still have so many questions - It's like, everything went by so quick, and I didn't get anytime to ask for an explanation . . ." His voice sounded like a whisper, and he secretly blushed in embarrassment at the sudden personal revelation. But unable to keep it hidden from the being in front of him.

"Sometimes, life can seem unfair when you are so young and unprepared. It is like that with all things in existence."

A look on confusion swept across Zan's face at the dragon's docile, almost caring answer. Something twisted in his gut, telling him he was in extreme danger. But he ignored it, paralysed by a whirlpool of emotions that swam in his head.

They stood there in the cramped cavern, The gryphon's large blue eyes wide and quivering with uncertainty. The dragon's intimidating head hung high above his own, gazing down at him with a twist of a smile on his sharp face. The grin did not reach his fiery red eyes however, and Zan saw something in their depths that frightened him - Something he couldn't quite fully understand, but instinctively knowing that it was pure and demonic evil. There was nothing good about the creature in front of him; From the tip of his snout to the round edge of his tail; A feral, seething darkness seemed to exist within every molecule of his body, just waiting to be released.

"Your parents may have left long ago, but what matters is that you are here before me now."

Zan's body relaxed at once as he felt the mysterious weight of the dragon's words caress his pointed ears. 'Oh no' he thought, not again.

"Wha - what's ha - happening to me?" He stammered as he felt himself slip into the hazy blur of the dragon's presence, his head fogging up as he felt his mind become heavily warped by the dragon's powers. He tried to speak again but the dragon placed a talon to his beak, gesturing him to be silent as his blazing eyes filled with Energy.

"Don't fight it little gryphon - embrace it. I only want to help you . . ." His voice purred seductively, powerfully layered with emotion.

Zan whimpered as he felt terrible thoughts suddenly slither into his head. He tried to shut them out, push them away as they twisted around him, but they shook his feeble attempts away; Moving like dark shadows in his mental world; never truly revealing themselves, but giving him a taste of their undeniable power - whetting his appetite for more . . .

"I - I . . ."

"- Shhhhhh, it's okay little gryphon . . . Everything's going to be fine," the dragon whispered soothingly to him.

More thoughts swirled inside him. He felt the outside world melt away into a fuzzy grey mess; Heard the rapid beat of his heart in his ears - in his throat . . . The sound of rushing water roaring in his ears . . . A terrifying fear tore through him as his inner mind spun crazily - he was passing out he realized; The foreign thoughts whispering their words to him, but he couldn't understand what they we're saying, only that they we're as dark and evil as the dragon himself . . .

He wanted it to end - all of it to be finally over . . . And with a burst of momentary clarity; He realized something:

He was going to die now.

But then he heard the voice.

The dragon's voice.

It came silently from the back of his mind, almost undetectable; Slowly building in crescendo until Zan heard it even above the roar of rushing water in his head and the thud of his heart inside him. It grew more and more powerful . . . Unrestrained like the sun rising over the jungle canopy in the morning . . . He drank in every word the dragon whispered into his mind; Basking in it's strength as it pushed the shadowy thoughts back momentarily, casting everything in it's blinding red glow.

"I have been looking for something such as you for a while now," It said in a powerful, echoing voice that vibrated through the gryphon's fragile mind. "-In many ways you are perfect; Something pure and untainted in both mind and spirit - a nexus of power to me. I can see it glowing from inside you, and when I feed off of it like I did just now, we will both grow stronger together. I can use it to share my knowledge with you, give you a taste of what power truly means if you desire it. I can teach you whelp. It just all depends on if you want me to . . .

Zan's eyes snapped open, an unfamiliar, strange glint deep inside them. He met the dragon's blood-red gaze above him almost as if for the first time. A powerful, thirsting hunger creeping through his body.

The gryphon said only one word:

"Yes"

The dragon's snout curved into a devilish smile.

"Good, then let us begin."