FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

As the man walked along the beaten path, his leather shoes dug into the pavement. On his back, a small short sword gleamed in the sun, and his toned muscles flexed as he walked. A small satchel on his side held supplies for when he would set up camp. His tinted skin matched the dirt path he was walking on, gleaming in the sun as sweat dripped from his tired body. He was a man of great strength.

But he was as timid as a butterfly.

The chiton the Greek wore covered his body, and had arm holes that allowed him ample movement. The pants he wore gave him ample movement, and the cotton loincloth allowed his legs room to breathe.

A small shadow cast itself in front of his path, and he grabbed onto the hilt of his sword as if he was going to get ambushed right then and there. His ears perked when he heard the sound of a crow, and blushed when he saw the shadow stretch its wings out, and fly away.

He sighed in relief, putting his hand on his side casually once more, and its sword back into its case. Although the human was jumpy, he had every right to be that way for he was walking into Hades itself.

In the forest's bosom lied a great labyrinth that was once ruled by the late Greek king Albius the Wise. After his death, the heir to the throne put the upkeep monies towards the army, and soon the labyrinth decayed.

But the threat of the Minotaur was still whispered among many.

And here this small creature was attempting to travel into the very dungeon the damned were sent to rot away, and eventually be devoured by the beast.

Or worse.

Albius was a benevolent ruler, and rarely did he ever send someone down to the labyrinth unless they were cruel, and horrid, or of the opposite faction. Although few went in, none came out if the gate was locked.

The human always wanted to know the history of the labyrinth, but at the same time he felt ignorance was bliss.

The Athen's blood running through his veins felt almost connected to the mysterious island he was now roaming. Crete was once a great piece of land ruled by a man named King Mino, but that era was long gone.

Stepping over a rusted handle and blade of a sword, the tan skinned Athen only cringed when he thought of the bloody civil war that ripped Crete apart, and of all the lives lost in the heat and horrors of battle.

Many were sick of being fed like cattle to the hungry Minotaur, and after Theseus killed the beast, many started to hunt for King Mino to seize the throne, and stop the sacrifices. After Theseus killed the beast, most of the country wanted King Mino dead.

It only made Crete in worse shape.

The human sighed when he remembered all the stories he was told about Crete when he was a small boy. He remembered hearing about the large fountains, bath houses, and luxuries of being near the ocean. Now, they were only myths, and legends passed down from generation to generation.

Wiping sweat off of his brow, he shivered when he saw the site in front of him. A massive gate, rusted, but still gleaming in the sunlight, looked down upon him like he was a puny ant. Golden trimming lined the edges of the metal, but most of it was stripped away by thieves.

A gale swept across the forest, rattling the limp chains that hung on the gate's handle. The door was propped open, signaling that the lock to the labyrinth was broken, and anyone foolish enough to go in had every right to do so.

The consequences also came with the curiosity.

Taking a small whiff, the human cringed as the wet musky smell of the labyrinth' inner walls reached his nose. He was expecting to catch the scent of dried blood. He raised an eyebrow.

Curiosity peeked at why the labyrinth didn't reek of rotting flesh, the human peeked through the doors to see the labyrinth was relatively clean. Putting a hand on his short sword, he expected an ambush of some kind, but he knew the tricks that darkness played on a mortal's mind.

Shaking violently as he took his first step into the labyrinth, he slowed his breathing, trying to stop himself from trembling as he unsheathed his sword from its case. The blade wobbled back and forth as his teeth started to chatter from the cool wind blowing through the labyrinth. The area around him was cloaked in darkness, sending shivers down the man's spine. The only light that made it through came through the cracked entrance, and small holes on the Labyrinth's rotting outer walls.

Reaching out, and touching the wall cautiously, he gave a small yip when he felt the cool wet stone. Plants that only grew in the shade lined the wall. They were vines of many shapes and sizes, and had the most peculiar colors. Some had pink flowers that sprouted out from the vines while others had colors darker than night itself.

Reaching into his pocket and pulling out a journal, he plucked one of the flowers off of the vines. Turning the pages, he put the flower next to several others in his collection. He brought out a stylus and wrote,

"Nightshade."

Bellow it, he pondered what to put, and tapped his stylus against his cheek a couple of times before an "aha" rang across the thick walls of the dark labyrinth. He forgot where he was for a split second, and didn't even notice a slight "clomp" of hooves behind him.

Scribbling down the description of the plant crudely, he wrote,

"A dark violent in color, and elegant in appearance. Rare. Only found in the darkest of places where blood has been spilled. Its beauty is stunning. Can cure the harshest of aliments, and illnesses. Said to only bloom when true lovers are around it."

The human loved botany, and everything to do with it. He wanted to know more about the way plants worked, and the natural connection he had to nature. With diseases spreading like wildfire through Athens, and no known cures besides plants in the darkest conditions, he was the only one that dared to explore the abandoned Labyrinth.

Putting his stylus back into his tunic, the Greek smiled at his handiwork before walking towards the door.

That was until he felt breath tickle his neck. His hair stood on end, and he closed his eyes. Another heavy breath brushed his neck once more, and he could feel the breathing slowly move towards his ear. He could hear the "clop clop" of hooves on the floor.

He froze in fear as if he was petrified by Medusa herself. His heart started to race in his chest, and his mind screamed out for him to run, and stay still at the same time. Feeling two hands on his back, he didn't know who, or what was touching him.

But he made a guess at what it was.

"What is your name smooth one?"

The human's mouth could barely open. "I'm facing death at this very moment, and the beast wants to know my name?!" He thought before slowly reaching for his short sword.

He felt a powerful hand grab his wrist, and put it gently behind his back.

"I just wish to know you're name. I don't want to kill you."

Shocked in surprise, the human figured it was a trick, and started to struggle. "That's a lie if I've ever heard one."

Giving a snort that the human figured was a laugh, the beast said, "You humans are always the same."

He could feel warm fur press against his softer skin for a split second before he was roughly pushed out the gate, and back into the outside world.

With a loud slam, the gate was closed.

Adjusting to the light that now bombarded his eyes, the Greek cringed. His thoughts started to slow back down to normal, and he felt himself become less tense. All of a sudden, he felt terrible.

The Minotaur spared his life, and he didn't even want to give him his name.

Walking up to the gate, and feeling his heart start to race, he gave a knock on the gate before clearing his throat, and saying,

"Thank you for sparing me. My name is Markus Dematrius."

The Minotaur on the other side raised an eyebrow, and said,

"My name is Goro."

Setting up camp outside the behemoth labyrinth, Markus sighed as he struggled to light the petit campfire he constructed out of bits of twig.

Grabbing the flint, and giving it a couple of rough hits for the second time with the stone he brought in his small satchel, Markus eventually saw sparks fly from the flint, and onto the twigs.

The twigs only simmered before going out once more. Yelling in frustration, Markus threw the stone into the foliage across from him. It hit a tree with a dull thunk before falling onto the ground.

Sighing, Markus started to feel his eyes start to strain, and he let out a yawn. The cold night air blew against his exposed skin that the tunic, and pants didn't cover up. He shivered, losing any fatigue he had. Grumbling, he laid on his back, and gazed up at the stars.

Millions of bright lights winked back at him like small lanterns, each one burning like a fire. He smiled. The event with the Minotaur still had him shaken, but he wanted to know more about it. Although he was scared, he told himself that he would visit with the beast, and attempt to communicate with it. After all, he thought Minotaurs didn't exist any longer, and he wanted a chance to speak with the beast.

"At least the night sky is bountiful with beauty tonight."

In his tranquil trance, he didn't hear the sound of hooves behind him nor the sound of the bushes rustling. Instead of being alert, Markus slowly started to close his eyes, and put his hands behind his head.

That was until a beast twice as tall as him leaned over his head. Opening one eye, Markus felt his face lose color as his eyes started to widen with fear.

The Minotaur that stood over him was half naked, his bare chest brimming with muscle. His arms and legs were no different. They bulged menacingly, and Markus could see two leather bands around each bicep. The brown fur that covered the beast was the color of a hazelnut, and twinkled in the moonlight. A small golden nose ring gleamed as well, and Markus found his eyes stuck on the different symbols that weaved themselves across the metal surface. Two nipple rings, each the same golden color, and each with the same strange symbols, were connected to the dark nubs of the Minotaur.

His lower body consisted of a simple loincloth with the rear missing to allow the tail to swing free. The appendage had a ring on as well, but it was silver, and lacked the symbols of the other three rings. The loincloth was connected in the waist band by two rings that helped support the cloth material. Two straps ran down the rear haunches of the beast, and connected with the pouch of the loincloth which helped support the pouch.

Markus felt his eyes connect with the deep brown of the Minotaur's, and he gulped when he noticed no sign of emotion.

The Minotaur simply huffed, and dropped a book on Markus's chest casually. Blinking in confusion, Markus grabbed the book, and opened it to see it was his journal.

His flowers were intact within the confines of the pages, and he noticed that a few newer plant specimens were added. He glanced over the each species to note that they included a flower, and a description in broken Greek. Under Nightwing, an edition was made that read in broken writing,

"Smooth one interest. I help collect."

Markus looked up at the Minotaur astonished, and in awe.

"You forgot that." He said with a smirk.

Blinking, and skimming through all the pages of the journal to see if what was happening to him was real, the only thing he could think about was why he wasn't on the ground dead, and why the Minotaur did, what would have taken him originally, three full days of scavenging for plant species.

"This can't be real..." Markus said with a stunned expression across his face.

Reaching out, and grasping the Minotaur's ankle with his free hand, he noticed he could barely wrap his hand around the thick muscle. He could feel the warmth of the Minotaur's fur against his hand, and the gentle touch of it against his smooth skin.

"It is real..."

The Minotaur only grinned foolishly down at him.

After laying on the ground, and staring up at the Minotaur for several minutes of complete, and utter silence, and flipping through his journal once more to see the patchy, but efficient, descriptions on each new plant specimen added, Markus could only stutter out nonchalantly,

"So...what's your name again?"

---

Goro, and Markus sat around the campfire, chatting away. It was strange for Markus to open up to someone rumored to be a blood thirsty animal, but he found himself starting to warming up to Goro.

Goro shoved Markus out of the way earlier, and lit the campfire with his own flint and stone. He told Markus to breathe on the flames, and not just rub two sticks together. Although Markus was annoyed at getting beat by something he once thought of as dunce, the slap to his pride wasn't worth not thanking the Minotaur over.

"So you are a Minotaur, right?" Markus asked Goro while warming his hands.

"Yes, Markus."

"So how come you didn't kill me, and can walk freely outside the labyrinth?"

Sighing, Goro said, "Not every Minotaur is the same. We have a dark and bloody ancestry, but that doesn't mean we all wish to see blood spilled."

Continuing, Goro said, "Do you know the story of Theseus?"

Markus nodded, and said, "Of course. It was my favorite story as a kid."

The Minotaur grinned mischievously saying, "Good because it wasn't anything like the way you heard it"

Curiosity started to probe at Markus's mind. The Greek then said,

"How did it go then?"

Clearing his throat, Goro said, "A long time ago on this very island, there was a ruler named King Mino, that part was true...." Goro paused to gather his thoughts.

Markus waited patiently for Goro to continue, and felt his eyes slowly start to weigh down. Goro's deep rich voice was making him tired. The bassy words sent shivers down his spine, and sounded almost hypnotizing. Markus could tell Goro had influence where he came from.

Goro suddenly spoke, snapping Markus awake, "But what wasn't true was about Theseus's relationship with the Minotaur, and where Minotaurs were born from."

Curious at where Bodind was going with his story, Markus found his interest peaked. His ears perked up, and he found his eyes focusing on every detail, and watching the Minotaur closely.

"Bodind was the first Minotaur of our kind, and his goal was to protect the Labyrinth. He was sent by Poseidon, the God of the Oceans, to watch over the island of Crete. Poseidon built the Labyrinth, not King Mino, to house the Minotaur. When Athens and Crete made a truce, and Athens started to send humans over as sacrifices to the Labyrinth as a sign of a truce between Crete and Athens, Bodind was pleased."

"So he ate them?" Markus said.

"No. He socialized with them. It was a life of solitude and confinement within the Labyrinth. He had urges like everyone else. He wanted to be free and be loved like every human. The humans that came gave him good company, and bestowed upon him tribute for letting them live like cattle, gold, and luxuries."

Goro grinned at his next statement, "The King was starting to get suspicious. He was wondering why the sacrifices that were called were no longer cowering in fear. Bodind, the tricky man that he was, proposed a plan."

Markus yawned, and blushed at his rude gesture, but Goro chuckled heartily.

"Will you be able to stay up for the rest of the story, or is it past your bed time?" Goro teased.

"No, no. I can make it." Markus said with a laugh.

Markus couldn't believe it, but he was actually enjoying the narrative.

"Alright then. So...where was I..."

"Bodind proposed a plan." Markus chimed.

"Ahh yes! So the plan was, when the bull prepared the cattle to eat, to use the bloody organs, and bones as props. He put them around the labyrinth, and painted blood around the walls. The King couldn't tell the difference between lambs blood, and human!"

Goro gave a loud, bellowing laugh that echoed throughout the forest.

"Bodid started to grow into his prime, and with that, his mating urges started to surface." Goro continued.

"He laid with plenty of women who gave their bodies to him as tribute. He would honor their gift as well as any human would honor love. Men would give tribute as well. Bodind would never penetrate the women or the men, only let them feel him, admire him, and let them touch what made him a male."

Giving a devious grin, Goro continued in a low tone.

"But one man caught his attention even more than the rest, and he was Theseus."

Giving a small gasp, Markus said, "I don't believe you! Theseus was sent to kill the Minotaur, not sleep with it!"

"You have every right not to believe." Goro said in return calmly, "But listen to what I have to say before drawing conclusions."

Markus fell silent at Goro's words, respecting his take on the story. What Markus found strange about the legend Goro was telling him was not the fact that Theseus had a homosexual relationship with the Minotaur of Crete, but the fact that Theseus laid with the beast instead of killing it.

He waited in earnest to hear the rest of the tale.

"Theseus was from Athens, a booming city full of wonder and awe. The powerful legislation had called Theseus to a meeting, and explained that they no longer wanted people being sent over to Crete to be 'slaughtered' by the Minotaur that lived within the labyrinth's walls, and wanted it slain. What the legislation didn't know was the true nature of Bodind, and what was actually going on within the walls."

Markus blushed when he thought of Theseus, one of the strongest and most influential men, submitting himself to Bodind. He dispelled the thought from his head, but not without a hint of curiosity.

"After getting told his orders from the legislate, he was offered riches beyond his wildest dreams from different political factions to bring the head to them."

Goro gave a dark chuckle, "They just wanted the head for show so they could say Theseus gave the head directly to their party, and gain more dominance on the political field."

Rolling his eyes, Goro gave another small chuckle before saying, "What they didn't know was Theseus would not be coming back."

"When Theseus entered the labyrinth, the very first thing he noticed was the lack of blood. From what the King told him, he imagined the walls being painted."

"If he knew what was going on within the walls, he probably would have ran as far as his feet would have taken him."

Markus raised an eyebrow, and was about to say something before he was interrupted by a hand gesture from the Minotaur. Goro pulled at his nipple ring casually, and looked over at Markus saying,

"Do you know where these come from?"

Markus blushed brightly at the sudden question, and at the fact he was staring directly at Goro's nubs, but then shrugged.

"They come from my tribe. These two gold rings have been passed down from my clan, and the symbols are that of my brothers and sisters."

Markus felt awkward staring at the Minotaur's nipples, but at the same time he was transfixed with the deep symbolism the etchings in the metal had.

Both rings had a small sapling on each that was drawn sideways to stretch all the way across the ring, and had many strange words in another language around it. Markus felt a need to reach out, and feel the cool metal with his own hands, but then remembered who he was sitting next to.

Goro could break him like a twig if he wanted to.

Markus shivered at the thought and realized he was lucky to be alive, and was honored at being able to sit and listen, much less talk to the beast. He thanked every God and Goddess that they allowed him to live.

"Bodind had the same tribal symbols on his rings as mine, and I wear that with great pride. We share common blood."

All of a sudden, Goro's expression went very dark, and he leaned in very close to Markus's face. Markus could feel Goro's breath tickling his neck, and he felt his legs wobble in fear.

"It is the ultimate offense to insult one's tribe. Don't forget that."

Markus nodded meekly before backing away a bit.

Goro smirked devilishly before saying, "Now that I scared you a bit, let's get back to the story."

Markus gave Goro a terribly mean glare that Goro simply laughed at. The laugh was booming, and echoed throughout the forest.

"Anyway, Theseus traveled deeper into the Labyrinth, and with a sword in hand he ventured further and further in only to see more and more peculiar sights."

"Stranger than no blood?" Markus said as he felt his comfort start to come back, and he scooted closer to the fire, and to the Minotaur once more.

"Indeed. Theseus stumbled into Bodind's main resting area, and found the bull asleep with two males around him."

Goro grinned, and said, "The first thing Theseus smelled were the flowers that decorated the bed the two humans, and Bodind were laying on, and then the bull's powerful musk."

Markus then replied, "Theseus must have been really surprised."

Goro chuckled once more, his warm smile and the deep bass sending another shiver down Markus's spine.

"He was incredibly surprised. He figured they were just slaves to Bodind. He didn't notice the male's nipples were pierced."

"What do you mean?"

Goro smiled once more, his hand reaching over, and grasping Markus's shoulder.

Shuddering at the touch, Markus was not prepared for the rough yet gentle caress. He felt his eyes grow weary, and he felt a strange need to scoot closer to Goro.

It was as if Markus felt like he could trust Goro. His mind started to melt, and he felt a strange bliss start to wash over him.

Breaking Markus of his trance, Goro said, "Bodind accepted the humans he took in into his tribe. He didn't see them with skin, but as his own kind."

Staring straight into Markus's eyes, Goro made sure to keep full eye contact as he talked. His tail swished back, and forth, and sometimes would brush lightly against Markus's leg.

He loved seeing the little human blush, and he chuckled when he saw Markus's eyes start to droop, and the human's face turn a deep red. Goro looked to the sky and saw a threatening storm cloud brewing in the distance.

A clap of thunder echoed throughout the sky, and bright flashes danced within the cloud.

"I will continue my story tomorrow. For now, I shall leave you."

Markus nodded, and said through a yawn, "Very well. The moon is past the center of the sky. I should probably hit the hay."

Nodding, Goro looked to the sky once more to see the storm looking as menacing as ever. The clouds on the horizon were a dark black, and the wind started to howl. The last look Markus imagined across Goro's face was a look of worry.

"Would you like to stay within the Labyrinth? I swear on my word I will not hurt you."

Taken aback by the sudden request, Markus looked deep into Goro's eyes to search for any sign of lies, but surprisingly he could find none. He gave a long, and tired sigh.

Markus thought long about the question. His mind was still processing everything that happened, and his encounter with Goro. He had a thousand questions he wanted answered, and his mind was swarmed with curiosity. At the same time though, there still was a bit of fear.

He still didn't fully trust Goro.

Another clap of thunder shook the forest around the duo, and it was louder than the last, and Markus felt raindrops start to fall onto him. The wind tore through the trees as if the foliage were just small sticks, and Markus shielded his head from a branch that flew by his face. The tempest was a strong one, and Markus quickly started to realize that the Minotaur was the least of his problems.

And then Goro did the unpredictable.

Goro stood up, and said,

"Zeus will not wait very long for your decision smooth one, and nether will I!"

All of a sudden, Markus felt his feet lifted off if the ground, and then his face against Goro's chest. He could feel Goro's strong legs kneel for a second to pick up the plant journal on the ground. Markus didn't have time to react as he was thrown over the Minotaur's shoulder as if he weighed nothing, and carried to the Labyrinth with haste as the rain started to fall harder.

The door was cracked a bit ajar so getting in was not a problem for Goro. He squeezed in between the crack, and began to push the door to close it. Goro was too late though, and a strong gust blew through the Labyrinth before he could fully close the door. The gust blew out most of the torches in the entrance, leaving the duo in pitch black darkness.

Gulping, Markus said, "How well can you see in the dark?"

Giving a small snort at the remark, Goro said, "We thrive in the dark."

Feeling his body bounce up, and down on Goro's shoulder, Markus stared straight ahead. He couldn't see anything; only the darkness that surrounded him. He could feel Goro's body quickly shift before moving in another direction. Markus could feel his leg brush up against the soft fur of the Minotaur's chest, and he blushed brightly as he thought about the fur up against his naked skin, and Goro's arms pulling him close. His mind reminded him that he was in a Labyrinth with a beast that he only met about...about...

Markus felt his eyes slowly start to close, and his mind start to fade out. He felt safe in Goro's arms, and his weariness was getting the better of him.

The pitter patter of rain could be heard on the roof, and the sound of hooves on stone rang inside the Labyrinth which only lured Markus deeper into slumber. Quieting his mind, Markus felt his body start to shut down, and he accepted defeat in his fight to stay awake.

Goro wasn't surprised that when he got to the middle of the Labyrinth, and noticed Markus was dead asleep over his shoulder. Goro was also not surprised when he felt drool snake its way down his back.

He gave a small chuckle, and carried the human over to a bed he had situated. Laying Markus down gently, he made sure to not make a lot of noise as he stripped from his loincloth, and climbed up onto the bed. He faced Markus's closed eyes, and chest, reaching out a hand to gently feel the other male. He stopped when he felt Markus shiver in his sleep. Throwing the red sheets over his nude body, and moving closer towards the human, Goro wrapped his arms around Markus. Goro could feel the smooth furless skin caressing his body, and he pulled the human closer. Feeling the body heat coming from the human, and mixing with his own, he gave a content sigh. Giving a small grunt in reply, and turning away from Goro in his sleep, the human laid with his back facing the Minotaur.

"Your culture is so modest." Goro said with a small eye roll before rolling until his own back was facing Markus.

Waking up with a start, Markus felt his eyes shoot awake. He rubbed his eyes gently, his mind in a slight haze as he woke himself up. Looking over to his left, Markus caught the sight of two piercing eyes looking at him intently. The eyes looked as if they were expecting something, and he found himself mesmerized by how much dominance they had. Breaking eye contact, and glancing around the Labyrinth he was situated in, Markus squinted as he felt sunlight tickle his face. Filtering through the cracks, the light gave a natural feel to the stone, and made the plants that grew along the wall sparkle brightly.

Markus guessed that it was morning.

Looking back over to Goro, Markus noticed that the Minotaur's broad chest heaved in, and out with every breath. His eyes glanced over the nipple rings before moving lower. He noticed that Goro's loincloth was missing when he noticed Goro's treasure trail, and gave a small gasp before looking away shyly. Goro was nude, and his bulging muscles were on display for him to see. It seemed Goro did not care that Markus could see his most private parts on display. Markus felt his eyes lay on the Minotaur's thigh for too long, and he blushed. He hoped to the Gods that Goro did not follow his gaze.

Markus blinked and said out loud, "So I guess all of this wasn't a dream."

Goro smirked, and said, "Indeed not smooth one."

Hearing the sound of his hungry stomach, he forgot how long it had been since he had eaten, and he looked over at Goro saying,

"I apologize. I forgot that I have not eaten since I met you."

Goro smiled warmly, and said, "I have some herbs in the Labyrinth for a stew. I can make it for you if we gather them."

Markus was taken aback.

"I can make it myself if you give me the ingredients. It's no trouble at all." The human said as he got up out of the bed quickly.

Goro jumped up just as fast as Markus, and walked in front of his path. He put a hand firmly on Markus's shoulder, and said,

"You are my guest. You deserve my hospitality. If you so wish, we can make it together."

Markus was once again surprised at Goro's kindness, and realized just how judgmental he was towards Goro. He felt a pang of guilt, and said,

"Thank you. I will repay you for your generosity later."

"Do not worry yourself over it. I receive enough tributes, I do not wish for anymore."

Markus cocked an eyebrow, and said, "Tributes? Like the ones that Bodind received?"

Thinking about a human male, and female groping Goro sensually, Markus blushed at the raunchy thoughts.

Nodding, Goro said, "Indeed. Where do you think all this furniture came from?"

Markus blushed even a deeper red when he realized his mistake of the word "tribute."

Looking around his environment, Markus realized just how fleshed out Goro made his living quarters. A small kettle with wood underneath it laid still near the dressers that Markus guessed held the Minotaur's assorted clothing. On top of the dresser, a basket that had fresh milk, and bread laid still. He remembered how soft the bed was underneath him, and how the velvet sheets kept him warm.

"Who made all this for you?" Markus asked curiously as he walked back over to the bed, and placed his hands on the soft sheets.

"It was a women by the name of Madrinus. I found her nearly stabbed nearly to death by bandits, and took care of her. I made her elixirs using the many plants found in the Labyrinth. She repaid me by making me hand carved furniture, ornaments, and still makes the trek up here to drop off fresh bread, and milk which I got this morning along with some water."

"How far away does she live?"

"About a mile."

Markus was once again surprised by Goro's nature, and found himself trusting the Minotaur even more. It was strange for him to think that he was safe, but at the same time he felt nothing could touch him with Goro by his side.

Smiling, and looking over to the pondering human, Goro said, "Got something on your mind?"

Snapping out of his trance, Markus stuttered, "N-no! Just thinking! It's nothing..."

Goro just put his large hand on Markus's shoulder like he knew him since he was born, and said, "I'm just messing with you! Come, let's find some plants that we can stew."

"W-wait! Shouldn't you put some clothes on?"

"Were both males here. Plus, no one is around to see me. If you want, you can strip down as well." Goro said with a smirk and a wink as he eyed up Markus enthusiastically.

Giving a blush in reply, Markus said, "I am fine with my clothes on."

"Suit yourself."

Walking away from Markus, and towards the dark areas of the Labyrinth, Goro looked over his shoulder, and said, "It would be best of you stuck with me until you figure out the pattern. It's easy to get lost here."

Nodding, Markus walked over to Goro, and stood beside him, and looked up at the Minotaur's face. The human could clearly tell the size difference between them. Goro was tall, and with the Minotaur looming over him, Markus felt like an ant compared to him.

Taking the lead through the Labyrinth, Goro would always look back to make sure Markus was keeping up with him. Markus would just give a light wave to Goro. Eventually, the silence was broken between the pair, and Goro would give Markus lectures on the different types of plants that were found in the Labyrinth. Most were vines, and flowers that could only thrive in dark, and moist places, and what perked Markus's attention was the fact that many of the plants cured disease.

Markus was interested in the plant life of the Labyrinth since most of the species inside were very exotic, and especially rare. With every plant Goro plucked from the wall, or the ground, he would give a small summery of how the plant behaved, and then would hand it to Markus to carry.

Listening attentively to what Goro had to say about each plant, Markus enjoyed the moment the two were sharing, and was fascinated by how much information Goro knew on botany. Curiosity about Goro's pasted started to etch into Markus's mind, and he was about to ask a question regarding where Goro learned so much about plants from, but was cut off mid thought when Goro said,

"So now that we got the assorted plants, how about we make some stew?"

Nodding, Markus said, "Sure. That sounds delicious."

Trailing behind Goro once more, Markus felt his eyes trail down the powerful back of the muscular male. His eyes were fixed on the way each muscle flexed, and moved as Goro walked. As the walk in the Labyrinth continued, Markus felt his eyes trail lower to the round globes that moved up and down, and sometimes clenched, and flexed with each step. Markus blushed when he caught a glance of the large orbs that hung low bellow Goro's equally hung manhood.

When Goro glanced back to check on Markus, he saw the human blushing perfidiously, and grinned when he turned back around.

Goro had to admit that his ego was stroked.

When the duo reached the middle of the Labyrinth, Goro had Markus place the flowers, and vines by the kettle. Grabbing a small bucket, Goro explained,

"This bucket was also made by Madrinus. She has excellent craftsmanship. Without her, I wouldn't have these lavishes."

Throwing the water into the kettle, Goro said, "We should bathe while we wait for the water to warm. I can continue the story from yesterday. That is if you are fine with it."

Markus nodded, and said, "I am fine with that."

"I know a good river outside. It's not far from here."

Following Goro to the massive doors that led to the outside world, Goro pushed on the right door until it was open enough for them to fit through. Markus cringed as sunlight flooded in, and blinded him as his eyes adjusted. Reaching out to feel his way out of the door, he blushed when his hand grasped something soft and warm. Markus heard a deep chuckle, and he felt what he was grabbing wrap around his hand, and lead him out of the Labyrinth.

"I should have mentioned for you to close your eyes. It is a steep difference between the light out here, and in there."

Squinting as he opened one eye, Markus realized that what he grabbed onto as he was walking outside was Goro's hand. He smiled shyly when he realized he was grasping it firmly, and jumped when he felt Goro squeeze gently against his hand.

"Your skin feels strange to the touch, human."

"So does your fur."

The two shared a laugh before they unlatched their hands from one another. Goro smiled, and said, "You are an interesting companion, Markus."

"And you're not?"

Goro gave a grin to the statement.

"Do you wish to hear the rest of the story of Theseus as we walk?"

Markus nodded, his curiosity peeked once more. He wanted to know the true fate of one of the greatest men alive.

"If I remember correctly, I left off on Theseus stumbling onto Bodind. Is that correct?"

Markus thought hard about where Goro left off on the story, and nodded. He remembered the nipple rings distinctively.

"Good. Now, Theseus thought the people surrounding Bodind were slaves, but what he didn't know was that Bodind accepted them into his tribe. The rings symbolized the bonds between the humans and their leader, and created a pact between them. Theseus was so confused that he dropped his weapon, and asked for Bodind to explain himself."

"Bodind told him everything."

Markus felt an intriguing resemblance between the story Goro was telling him, and what happened between himself and Goro. He wanted to know more about Goro, and his culture, and tried to form a connection between himself and the Minotaur. At that moment, Markus started to think of Goro as more of a friend.

Continuing the story, Goro said, "Theseus was interested in Bodind, and stayed with him. Although Bodind received tribute from the other males around him, he did not ask for a gift from Theseus. Bodind felt a unique attraction between himself, and Theseus right when they laid eyes on one another, and kept the relationship sacred. Cutting off the head of a bull, and sending it to Athens, Theseus successfully tricked the Court into thinking the Minotaur was slayed, and all was well."

Goro gave a smirk, and looked over at Markus who was listening with peeked interest.

"Neither of them could predict that their relationship would turn more sensual."

Markus looked up at Goro, and said, "I still find it hard to believe you, but continue."

Rolling his eyes, Goro said, "And I find it hard to believe your Greek's foolish tales."

Markus shrugged his shoulders, and said, "True, true."

"Now where was I...ahh. So, one night when Theseus was camped outside the Labyrinth, Bodind snuck out, and paid Theseus a visit. They talked for a bit about one another in greater detail, and soon they started to become closer on a more intimate level. To put it simply, Theseus was the first human that Bodind truly had a relationship with."

"Well, why does that matter?" Markus asked.

"Good question. When a Minotaur has a true affair with another human, a magic that cannot be explained. The two grow a bond that cannot be separated, and the human changes physically as well as mentally. Putting rings onto a human is one thing, but the transformation that takes place is the ultimate sign of commitment. If the connection between the two wasn't strong enough, then the human would die. After the ceremony is complete, the magic is so intertwined into both the human and the Minotaur that if one dies, the other dies as well."

Markus gulped, pondering on what Goro said, and on Theseus.

"What did Bodind see in Theseus that made him fall in love?" Markus asked.

"Patience."

"Patience?"

"Patience."

The two walked in silence as the dawn slowly started into midday. The insects started to chirp happily in the bushes, and Markus could see animals running through the foliage. The sun warmed his skin, and Markus felt at bliss. Looking ahead, Markus felt his eyes connect with the Minotaur's dark brown fur, and how it glittered in the sun. He was in such a trance that he didn't realize Goro stopped in front of him.

He ran into Goro's back with an "umffff."

Chuckling, the Minotaur offered a hand to Markus. Blushing shyly, Markus grasped Goro's hand firmly.

"We are here." Goro said with a warm smile.

Markus walked past Goro to see a breathtaking sight; a large yet shallow river. The water glistened in the sun as light hit it. The rocks that lined the bottom of the river looked smooth to the touch, and Markus could identify several different species of fish swimming in between the rocks. The sound of the river flowing down the rocks calmed him. It was as if the river called him. The cool water splashed up against the shore, and over his bare skin. He felt a smile cross his face.

"How did you find this place?"

Goro smirked, and said, "I have lived for about three hundred years. This land is just as a part of me as I am of it."

"By Mars you are old!"

Goro nodded, and said, "I am about twenty one in human years. I still have much to learn."

The two paused, and just listened to the river, enjoying the sights, and sounds to themselves quietly.

"Now to address your clothes..."

Markus felt a hand grab his chiton, and pull down hard. The grip was tight enough that the human felt his loincloth leave his body as well. The movement was so quick, Markus didn't have time to react. He did not realize he was nude until he looked down.

Goro laughed deeply, enjoying the sight of the male cupping his privates, and running out into the river. He quickly followed suit, and tackled Markus down to the ground. The two came out from the water laughing richly, both locked in a grip for wrestling. The duo pushed at one another, and Markus swore that Goro let him pin him a couple of times. After a couple of minutes of wrestling, the two darted up, and stood face to face with one another.

"Come at me again! I dare you!" Goro said with a smirk across his face. The Minotaur's wet fur dripped, and showed off the male's powerful musculature.

"What are you going to do, eat me for dinner?" Markus said teasingly as he wiped water off of his brow. Markus no longer cared that he was nude. He just wanted to enjoy himself.

Goro laughed loudly, shaking the trees around him.

"That's a low blow, human!"

Markus grinned, and ran at Goro.

Bracing himself, Goro said, "Let's see what you've got!"

Markus felt his hands connect with Goro, and he felt Goro's hand squeeze around his. Markus realized he was now in a grapple against a Minotaur.

Markus slowly felt himself being pushed towards the shallower end. He felt the water go from chest height all the way down to only up to his ankles. He no longer felt covered by the water, and blushed as he realized how vulnerable he was.

The smooth rocks only made the traction he had worse.

When Goro pushed Markus to where he wanted, he unlatched his grip from both of Markus's hands, and wrapped his arms around the human's back. Laying down Markus onto the smooth rock of the river bottom, and then laying on top of him, Goro smiled warmly down to Markus.

Opening up his legs to allow Goro on top of him, Markus blushed noticeably. He could Goro's endowment rubbing against his own, and with each shift Goro made, Markus gasped quietly to himself. Markus couldn't describe what he feeling. He felt safe, but at the same time he felt vulnerable to Goro. His worries melted away as Goro's warm fur rubbed against his smooth skin, but his heart cried out longingly for something.

Something intimate.

Something more.

As Markus looked into Goro's eyes, he didn't need any sign, or warning to proclaim what was coming.

Goro leaned down, and kissed Markus on the lips passionately.

Markus only reacted how he knew. He accepted the kiss with an equal amount of passion. He could feel Goro's tongue invading his mouth, and taking what he wanted to do for so long. The longing for a touch of another exploded in Goro's mind, and he started to slowly roll his hips against Markus.

If Goro wasn't muffling him, Markus would have been moaning.

Unlatching the kiss, Goro said, "I have been wanting to do that to you since we have first met, Markus."

Markus could feel each muscle move as Goro rubbed against him, and as their chests rubbed together, Markus started to feel himself become aroused. Goro seemed to have taken note, and said,

"Do not worry yourself about modesty. You are beautiful naked as you are clothed."

Markus nodded, and said, "I-I have never done this..."

Goro put a hand on the human's chest, and said, "If you are afraid, let me know, I will stop. If we continue, know that you cannot go back. We are about to be bound to one another by a force that cannot be broken."

Goro looked up at Markus with a serious expression,

"Know that what happens now cannot be reverted."

Knowing full well that he could just get up, and walk away from it all, Markus contemplated hard on what he was getting into. He looked into the Minotaur's eyes with a look of confidence, and said,

"I wish to be your mate."

It was as if the words were not spoken from just his mouth, but of his mind as well. The wind picked up, and leaves started to blow across the river as if a secret enchantment was broken.

And then all was still.

"Very well. Lean back, and let me attend to you."

Doing as he was told, Markus felt his back caress the cool stone of the river floor. Small water falls trickled off of the rock, and over his shoulders, making his skin glisten brightly like Goro's fur.

Getting off of Markus, and gripping the human's legs, Goro spread Markus to get a better view of what laid between. Markus's proud manhood throbbed in need, and Goro smirked at the throbbing erection.

Markus could feel the Minotaur's warm breath tickle his loins, and he felt himself tense as Goro's mouth inched closer to his shaft. Not knowing what to expect, he moaned out when he felt a tongue lick up the base of his digit tenderly.

The tongue went slow, and teasingly.

Feeling the stress of the situation disappear, and turn into pure pleasure, Markus groaned as Goro licked his member everywhere, making note of where his pleasure spots were, and giving a shiver, and a spurt of pre in reward for Goro's efforts.

Soon the Minotaur had his fill of the human's shaft, and worked lower until he found Markus's orbs. He took one in his mouth, sucking on it before turning towards the other one, and doing the same. The taste of the human's sweat, and arousal on his lips made him quiver in pleasure, and anticipation for what he had in mind for his new mate.

Licking back up the shaft, and then up Markus's chest, Goro made sure to keep the pleasured human guessing at where he was going next. He put his hands on both sides of Markus's head, and kneeled over Markus. A dark shadow covered the male he was above, and Markus felt small in compared to Goro.

Soon, Goro found Markus's nipples, and took the left one in his mouth after circling around it teasingly.

Goro spurted some pre onto Markus's chest when heard Markus grunt as he nibbled lightly. He did the same to the other nipple, making sure to lick both nubs after he was done. Licking up the male's neck, Goro kissed Markus once more, and started to frot with him. He gripped his manhood, and Markus's own, and started to gently stroke them both. The two moaned in the kiss as they pushed against one another, muscle against muscle, and flesh against fur.

Markus could feel Goro's weighty balls against his own, and with each pulse of Goro's member, he felt his mind scream in bliss. The Minotaur's tongue entered his mouth once more in a show of dominance.

Starting to feel pre dribble over his manhood, Markus figured that Goro was letting off a steady stream.

Then Markus felt the throbbing become more violent.

Goro's started to pant, and sweat dripped down his body. Grinding harder against Markus, Goro started to groan in ecstasy as he started to reach the first climax of many. Markus felt his body shake, and he tensed up as he prepared himself.

Goro felt his muscles tense, and his mind grow hazy. As his heart raced in his chest, he braced himself for the orgasm that was building inside of him. He broke the kiss with Markus, and concentrated on fully pleasuring his mate with his hands.

Markus could feel the full grip of the Minotaur around his member, and felt himself involuntarily thrusting his hips forward. Goro grinned, and continued stroking Markus, making sure to edge him.

But Markus had a trick up his sleeve.

Reaching over, and cupping Goro's massive orbs, Markus gave them a gentle squeeze. Goro groaned out, and he lost all control of the situation.

The first splatter of cum hit Markus right in the face, the thick, white fluid marking him with Goro's scent and musk. Markus could feel the liquid trail down his face, and over his naked chest. The grunting, and loud moaning that Goro was letting loose only furthered Markus's pleasure. The fact that Goro was now stroking both his own member and Markus's slowly with deep and powerful strokes, and making the climax as long winded as possible didn't help Markus's sexual appetite.

As Goro's manhood shuddered as it let off more cum onto Markus's chest, Markus climaxed as well. He felt large wet splotches hit his chest, and neck as Goro aimed both members high into the air. Markus watched in awe as more white rained upon him, and covered his chest. Markus could see his own cum trailed in the Minotaur's fur, and he smirked as he grunted.

He wanted to mark Goro just as much as Goro wanted to mark him.

As Goro's orgasm tampered off, Markus could feel Goro getting up off the top of him, and admiring his work as the human continued with his climax.

Wrapping his hand around Markus's manhood, and giving it some soft strokes as Markus started to come down from his high, Goro chuckled at the face of ecstasy Markus was giving to him.

After the climax was officially over, and Markus laid in a small puddle of his own cum and his mate's, Goro opened up the male's legs saying,

"We aren't even close to being done."

Markus raised an eyebrow at the statement. He wasn't spent by any means, but he didn't know if he had it in him to continue. That was until he felt a tongue start to explore the opening by his hole.

Markus was instantly aroused once more.

Lifting up Markus's legs, and propping them up on his shoulders while kneeling in front of the human's rump, Goro started to seductively tongue at Markus's tight opening. It wasn't long till Markus was reduced to an orchestra of soft whimpers and moans. The feelings of the Minotaur's soft tongue against his most sensitive area sent shivers down his spine. Spreading Markus's cheeks wider, Goro went for the kill. He stuck in tongue inside.

Squirming at the feeling of having something pushed inside of him so forcefully, Markus couldn't do anything except curl his toes, and groan out. Feeling a hand creep up to his balls, Markus felt the Minotaur start to cup, and fondle his low hangers.

After what felt like hours of pleasure and bliss, Markus felt the tongue leave his hole, and something else rub against it. He could feel the powerful appendage throb with need, and pre start to dribble over his pucker.

"If you want me to stop, let me know." Goro said with concern in his voice.

Markus nodded, and said, "Take me. I am ready."

Goro slowly pushed into Markus, making sure to be gentle. Markus groaned in pain as he was penetrated, and he felt himself clench instinctively. He looked up at Goro to see his body slowly moving down to his, and soon he found his chest brushing up against Goro's once more. As Goro moved deeper, and deeper into him, Markus started to feel a pleasurable sensation shoot through his body.

The pain that Markus felt before was gone, and replaced by a burning need for Goro to fill him, and mate him. Pushing back against Goro until he felt the Minotaur's hips roll against his rump, Markus knew he took Goro to the hilt.

"By the Gods, rut me."

Goro smirked, and said, "With pleasure."

Pulling out of Markus, and then pushing back in, Goro gave a long and drawn out groan as he felt Markus's walls clench around his pulsing member. Markus gave a moan equally as loud, and wrapped his legs around Goro.

The two were rewarded with a loud slap of Goro's large orbs hitting Markus's rump.

Goro grinded against Markus's rump, making sure to thrust his hips to get as deep as possible into his new mate.

As several sensation bombarded his senses, Markus sprayed pre over the Minotaur's chest, further spotting Goro's coat.

Repeating the motion of pulling out, and grinding against Markus several times, the forest was alive with a symphony of grunts, groans, and moans. Markus could feel every pulse of Goro's member, and always welcomed the feeling of a jet of warm pre that followed.

Markus never submitted to anyone in his life, but Goro made him feel alive.

And that was all he needed.

With each thrust forward, Goro could feel Markus pushing back on him harder, and he quickly realized just exactly what the human wanted.

No, what the human craved.

He started to speed up the thrusting.

Putting both of his hands gently on the human's shoulder, Goro started to pound Markus with abrupt thrusts. The sound of Goro's hips and orbs smacking against Markus's backside started to get more prominent, and soon Markus had to hold onto the Minotaur's arms by his head for support since he was rocking back, and forth on the slick rock.

Markus could tell that Goro was getting close. He could feel Goro's member throb and pulse more erratically, and the dribbles of pre started to turn into a steady stream. Markus was also having a tough time keeping his second orgasm down. The pleasure he was receiving from Goro was heavenly, and he found his panting increasing.

"Goro...Goro I think I am going to...I think I am going to...UGHH AHHH!"

Markus opened his mouth in as a silent moan escaped him, and he climaxed for the second time over his chest. The orgasm was more powerful than the first, and Markus felt his seed hit his cheek and neck. He could feel his walls clench around Goro even tighter, and Markus looked up to see Goro's face contorting in bliss.

He started to change from harder thrusts to deeper, and more passionate ones, grinding against Markus like he was doing before, and making the human shoot jet after jet of seed. With one final thrust, Goro let out a bellow that shook the forest's trees.

Markus felt a warm sensation fill him, and pushed back against Goro, feeling his balls rubbing against his rump. Although Markus's orgasm slowed down to a steady trickle, Goro unloaded spurt after spurt of semen into Markus before pulling out, and frotting the male, spraying Markus's chest with more seed.

Falling over onto the human, and nuzzling his neck, Goro kissed the male deeply.

"Never leave me, smooth one."

The two laid together for quite some time before Markus got up, and went to the deeper parts of the river to wash himself. Goro followed him, and the two washed one another off, admiring each other's physique. The cool river water felt relaxing to the both of them after their affair, and they hugged one another lovingly. Markus put his head in between the Minotaur's large pecs, and closed his eyes. He felt Goro's large arms wrap around him, and hold him close.

Markus felt safe, and secure in Goro's embrace, and he felt his worries start to melt away.

That was until Markus felt his body tense. His muscles started to feel like it was on fire, and his legs buckled. Goro immediately ran over to Markus, and held him above water. He floated him back over to the shallow end, and put him back on his two feet.

Markus stood with his eyes wide with shock, but then he felt what he thought was lava move through him. He kneeled on the rocks, and watched as a dark brown fur started to move across his body. His mind felt foggy, and the world started to spin. Goro grabbed Markus's hand, keeping him in a kneeling position, and making sure he didn't keel over.

Feeling as though he was being stretched, Markus yelled as he grew in height, and his muscles started to expand. Covering him, the midnight black fur that moved over his chest, and face engulfed him, and Markus would have yelled if his speech wasn't muffled by Goro's kiss.

His mind started to calm itself down, and he felt the pain slowly start to wade away as he focused on Goro, and Goro only. Markus felt his feet slowly start to turn into hooves, and his hands expand out violently. Markus felt as if someone was pulling out his nose, and he noticed a muzzle growing outward.

Two horns pushed out of his head, and came to a tip while a tail grew out of his backside. Finishing the transformation, Markus's teeth turned pointier, and fang like while his eyesight became keener.

After Markus felt the pain start to ebb away, he started to stand up on his shaky hooves with Goro still locked on his lips. Unlatching the kiss, Goro stepped back, and admired Markus with a smile across his face, and said,

"You look good in black."

Markus blushed, but it was hidden because of his fur.

When the two came to an embrace, Markus noted how much muscle he gained from the transformation, and grinned at his new found power. He started to flex, and work his new found legs and arms.

"You will fit right in with the others." Goro said.

"With...the others? There are more of us?"

"A lot more."

Markus starred into Goro's eyes, and with a smile said,

"So what happens now?"

Goro looked down at his newly transformed mate,

"We continue through life...as one."

Markus thought about the life that was ahead of him, and nuzzled deeper into Goro's neck. Although his body was at ease, his mind had a thousand questions that he needed answered. At the same time though, he was strangely content.

"So how about that stew?" Goro said with a grin.

Markus totally forgot about the boiling water, and felt his stomach grumble. He nodded enthusiastically, and said,

"Sounds perfect."

A beautiful nightshade bloomed in the shadows of the Labyrinth.