A Minotaur's odd fate
 

A mage of legend , A rather odd one given its a female Minotaur that became a mage instead of the class that they often become from the fact they are better suited for a role as a warrior or fighter . Yet she became a mage long ago. Her name lost to time believed she had died long ago. But the thing is she wanted that to believed that she had died either by natural causes or by out right losing a battle .

This is because she started out on a quest as a Heroine to save her land and people, but as the party she had formed and recruited at varies times keep dying on the quest. She slowly was falling into the darkness , thus when she finally slain the evil villain and went to return , she found on her arrival all she fought for was seemingly in vain given how nearly everyone and thing of the land she came from was destroyed or dead do to the defenses of those she trusted failed or fled, thus using the resources and knowledge she had acquired on her journey and victory over the once big bad … she formed a place that she will use to draw in others to prevent such disappointment . While if anyone does make it past her varies unnatural and magical forces she would do as she needs either end them or make them her own, yet over the years her desire for one to care for grew more and more .

Thus her magic had naturally started to affect her form without her calling on it as she holds more power then most ever will if ever again.. Making her produce milk again and her form naturally became a motherly form again in her prime , but yet also appealing and even deceiving seemingly weak or needing . When she is anything other then weak or needing .

She also despite all these years have not died as her power and life force is that stronger , thus one would most likely assume if anything is at the top of the mages keep is a grand treasure and possible a lynch or necromancer , if not just some skeleton ruler . Yet those thoughts would be all wrong as she is by now still ageless and been around a long time . She even is sressed in a garb that is of ages past yet looking new as good as the day she had it a garb of female mage robes with symbols of varies mystical origins and ruins of sorts all designating what magic and orders she has been a part or at least learned

Many adventurers had come to the keep to vanquish what was seen as evil. Though none ever returned... many having befallen the dangers that surrounded the keep. None of them had been Minotaurs however, likely much to the disappointment of that who called the keep home. This only added to the tales of the keep... keeping only the most foolhearty or dedicated heroes from even considering venturing there to put an end to the threat. It was hard to say what category the current adventure might fall into. He was a Paladin of Vengeance named Baracus… an impressive Minotaur clad in plate armor with a great sword and who'd taken up the task of destroying this evil.

Granted he'd claimed this quest in a nearby town during a night of revelry and bravdo where he was drinking and bragging about the feats he was capable of. Before he knew it he was agreeing to travel to the keep and deal with the so-called 'Monster'. He felt a bit over his head as some of what he'd claimed to be capable of was well beyond him still... but he certainly couldn't show he was a coward and run away with his tail between his legs. He knew it would bring shame on him if he did so... so in the morning began the long journey to the keep. The surrounding region was dangerous... many creatures drawn to the area in hopes of serving the one here.

She was aware someone new had arrived in the area... and not one of the evil creatures that routinely showed up to live around the keep and destroy adventures. But this one was different than most... not one of the more humanoid races that tended to show up with a desire to vanquish her. This one was not smooth of skin... but surprisingly enough another Minotaur. A mighty warrior... clearly a Paladin. One of the foolishly noble variety that felt it was their duty to destroy evil and rescue damsels in distress. A male who likely would see her as needing him to rescue her and protect her. Though soon enough perhaps he would be the one in need.

The minotaur mage had decided to see what this being was as she could tell what she was sensing was less humanoid then most and not of the evil variety thus used a bowel of water as a viewer of sorts ''Interesting lets see this ones merit '' She spoke to no one really as she was mostly alone outside of the spirits of those long past and her servants some willing, others not so willing's, some under a spell and some that are walking re-animated skeletons .. but what will be noticed of the living one most are diapered or have some degree of a infantile thing if not a trait to them from something.

Regardless she waved her hand over the bowel and adjusted the view to her forces deciding to direct them to try not to die but also don't try to kill this one .. Preferably just to wound him and tire this one out .. But she will allow killing , she just would prefer this one to do what she wish's with..

Though this perceived once heroine turned dark if not evil has become known as ' The lord of Nightmares' These creatures though have come to know her as a protector and provider of sorts even the neutral ones and those leaning more towards the light yet still not accepted

''And here I thought I was one of the last of my kind a intelligent Minotaur aligned more with the light'' She muttered as she looked more into this Minotaur in what her magic and those she follow will allow '' Such a shame he may very well become my newest toy if hes naughty or sees me as a helpless woman needing saved '' She spoke waving her hand over a map of her keep shuffling the traps and activating some old odd spells aswell as strange curses and zones that aren't deadly but will work as a test and with each fail would make this minotaur closer to what she will want , but nothing that can't be reversed with the proper counter curse or potion , let along enough time or a blessing from the right deity .

After which though she decided to use some magic to make the atmosphere more ominous and suiting the fate that possibly will before this new foe, It'll be the first real test of this ones bravery .

Baracus was unaware that he was being scryed upon by the being in the tower. His Paladin abilities not granting him some sort of awareness of it. Though she might be able to tell upon viewing him that while he was the heroic sort... he seemed a bit hesitant to face this fight. He was clearly a young hero... so wasn't as powerful as some who came to face her. So it was probably a good thing she informed those who gathered her not to kill him… or he would have been easily overwhelmed by them. But after some hesitation she did see him wade into battle... his great sword dispatching some of the weaker 'Monsters' who gathered here around her keep.

It was obvious he wasn't very powerful as of yet.. as he wasn't using any of his Paladin abilities to take the creatures down faster. Which meant he was fighting through them with brute strength alone. She could detect some magic on his sword and armor... likely helping keep him fighting as well as he was. Especially when they started landing hits on him. He was bleeding and breathing heavily before he even reached the front door. Managing to get it open as more swarmed him... blocking it closed with his body as he plopped down to sit on the floor and catch his breath. Taking a drink from a healing potion and then the empty bottle roll across the floor.

It made sense she hadn't seen more of her kind in so long... as they had left the main continent and settled on an island nation. At least those who were still 'good', anyway. Others had fallen to the sway of the original creator of Minotaurs… Baphomet. Accepting service in his ranks for power of various types. It would be fun perhaps to test someone like her for a change? She watched as he remained seated for sometime and then eventually got up to his hooves and began moving forward. It was almost funny when he called out with bravado... given she had helped him get inside alive. "Foul Creature! Did you think your Minions could stop me!?"

Marta was amused at what she heard from her own kind ''Foul Creature? You know nothing of me , my past ,my goals or my race young one.. Why perhaps we might even be of the same race'' She had used her magic to listen to Baracus and project her voice as a male '' And who's to say I didn't foresee such a outcome where you would be given a chance at slaying me or possibly becoming a new vassal to me?'' She was trying to project the image this Paladin views her as by taunting him and goading him.. After all this one seems to not be after riches, artifacts or fame like most of the others she has dealt with. In fact those she has with her that are alive are the ones she deemed worth keeping are the fools that seeked worthless things in the long run like that.

''Now as a reward for making it this far I shall given you time to rest before retreating without anymore harm from my forces or you may venture further into my lair'' Marta started still sounding like a male wondering what will happen when this Baracus

'' Now do you wish to play a little game ? '' Marta was testing Baracus more or less and wanting to see just how he will handle this test and him going through everything she has set up that will temp him and discourage him .. Aswell as through him , even possibly sending him elsewhere . But this 'game' she speaks of is a test of his intelligence and to distract him at the same time.. Plus she wishs to see if hes foolish enough to accept without knowing what it'll cost each failing on the 'game' , she though also have had a lack of anyone willing to attempt to invade her keep/tower for anything and thus she wants some interaction before this man either is doomed or gets free

Baracus looked around for the source of the voice... before realizing it was a magical effect rather than a physical presence. He snorted just a bit at the voice, as it seemed to almost goad him into action rather than threaten him. "I know more than enough about foul creatures. You won't scare me away... I'm not afraid." Baracus noted as he was finishing getting back up to his hooves. "So do your worst. I'm not a coward." Baracus was still clearly in need of a rest... but Marta could tell he was easy to manipulate. Perhaps she'd have some fun with this one after all.

Thanks to Marta's devious nature and the Paladin's eagerness to prove himself the young bull had was entering into her trap filled keep without a full rest. So other than what the healing potion had restored he was still somewhat wounded and she could hear from his breathing that he was still somewhat tired. If things worked out in her favor though she'd certainly have to put this stubborn one down for a nap. "I don't need a reward from you... I'm in no need of a rest before I find you." Baracus offered sounding just a bit like a fussy young bull. "A game? Games are for Children."

"But if it quickens my journey through your keep to find you so I may destroy you... then I'll play your game." Baracus replied... starting to make his way into the keep, looking for any signs of foot traffic in either dust or scuff marks on the floor that would point him in the right direction. Doing his best to keep an eye out for dangers or treasures or rooms along the corridor that he might need to explore. He paused a moment to take a drink from his waterskin, parching himself slightly with the last drops of water before tossing the empty skin in his backpack with a grunt.

''Such a rude young one '' A sudden magical blockade happened on the door when it was clear Baracus was not willing to leave'' I am not of the wild beasts and mindless creatures, Why must you insist I am of such?'' Marta was drawling not out of boredom but more so out of the fact Baracus seems to her to be reciting from the same writting so many before this minatour had , though chances are they just are similar from varies factors not related to the same writings

''Rest you need to be your best to face me young one'' Marta was being honest but this Baracus seemed stubborn and perhaps foolish maybe even stupider then she had assumed he was but still smarter then most that she had seen or come across of her kind for a very long time.. So perhaps its his up bringing or education? She is unsure but she would hope education had improved and it wasn't as hard to come by .

''Games are not just for childern .. it is pure childerns logic to assume such , for there are games made to help ones intellgence just as much as skills '' Marta always hated that view people had of games .. Such foolishness is a childs mentality to think all things as a whole of a specific group are a childs thing .

''Let us start off simple then shall we , What has roots as nobody sees,Is taller than trees,Up, up it goes,And yet never grows?'' Marte started off there as she waits for the after affect of that healing potion to take affect as she is well aware how potions exspecially healing ones often affect others depending on the grade of the potion, the ingredients , the quality of items, if it was made in a large batch. It it was made for the specific being in question and how much damage aswell as stamina its meant to heal aswell as how hurt the being is when taking it .

Though Baracus likely will notice how it looks like no one has been in the keep or atleast the lower levels for quite some time given the levels of dust and grime aswell as spiderwebs taken over most of the place . Though if he looks up at points he will end up seeing multiple eyes higher up moving along that are of giant spiders one even lowering behind him more so to scare the being or atleast try to as the one ruling this tower doesn't want this being killed but also would like this being in a state of embarrassment if not humiliation . Regardless of that there is a room the sound of water is coming from a spring of sorts, which would be wise to visit at some piont for water and even has varies items in the room some clearly magical in nature that someone one brought with them surely

Baracus snorted in annoyance... he wasn't that young. The creature in here must be ancient to think so. "I'm not young... I've been an adventuring Paladin for a year now!" He shouted a bit in annoyance with a stomp of his hoof on the stone floor. As the barrier came up behind him he swallowed a bit... there'd be no leaving now even if he did chicken out. So the only choice was forward. "I never said you were either of those things. But I've heard the stories about this place. All the monsters protecting you... the fact nobody ever returns from coming here. You need to be vanquished." Granted there had never really been any stories of this being causing trouble.

Baracus paused as he began really looking around the entryway and seeing the littered corpses and what seemed to be possibly magic items. Did this being have no desire to claim these treasures? He never even considered that she might have placed them here. Even drinking a health potion he found to heal himself back up to full. He blinked at the riddle as he was busy looting the treasures here. "Not much for cleaning are you? You'd think you'd have a minion specifically for that." He sarcastically offered and then glanced up. "I'm not really good at riddles. Can I have a hint?" He sheepishly asked as he scuffed his hoof just a bit shyly.

Though the sound of running water drew his attention more than anyting. As he was still parched after finishing his waterskin. Drawing out his great sword once again he began making his way into the room with the fountain. He had no clue what the answer to the riddle was... but hope she'd decide to give him another hint. She could hear his dry lips smack just a bit as he began entering the 'Spring Room'. He was careful... looking for traps or threats as he stepped closer. The water looked so cool and refreshing... though that could be some sort of illusion. But it didn't matter... if there was no immediate threat he dropped to his knees and dunked his head to drink.

''So a inexperienced one and without a questing party, did you split the party young one ?'' Marte spoke images of her past days of a questing party getting split that was the start of her path that turned dark for her . Though Baracus was partially right in assuming her old age was the reason she seen him as young but its also the fact she knows it'd likely get to those that enter her keep without permission and seeking to harm her aswell as the being in her or sent them along.. As her forces even those that wonder in she has make follow a rule if those who come along has no ill intention or rather no intent of harming another and no intent of sending rather harmless spirits along then they can enter the land and her lair peacefully and even leave without trouble if they desire .

Now while a large chunk of the treasures and items she has no desire to gather or keep, some she had purposely had placed as a double edged sword for this Paladin as sure the healing potion will do as its meant to its of the kind that will ensure he will have some bathroom trouble for awhile and the garments aswell as lower armor he could wear has some curses and enchantments to ensure they would change to a diaper once on and lock with only another able to change him.. Though the items will indeed still be protection of his manhood and his ass of the best grade, it'd also then be even another sort of protection at the same time .

''Such innocent one believing things at just face value , soon the world will remedy that '' Marte said that in a manner that spoke of personal experience .'' The cleaners do a fine job they just do not focus on the things and places that do not matter '' Marte know he was quipping but she felt reply with what could be seen as a quip but is the truth

''As for your hint this tree often holds treasures and is as old as the land we live from'' Its a blatant clue but if he can't answer with 'mountain' then her magic will reflect that in affecting either him or his items .

Though this 'spring room' is rather clean and near spotless a odd smell is in the room a lot like that of a bath house to bath infants , which is true in a way as this spring while not used for that is where the water is drawn for the two aeras off to the side of the room to bath those that if aren't infants in some way or enjoy it are ones treated that way wether or no.

Still a room connected to this one has a even more infantile scent coming from it and a welcoming glow, This would likely make his Paladin minded self feel a need to investigate encase they are captive children or under some spell.. But the truth is this is a former nursery of those that lived her and was found slain when Marte returned so if he explains the room he might end up with a new indirect party member that could be quite annoying

"I don't need a party... I don't need anyone." Baracus offered with what meant to be an annoyed huff but came off more as a childish whine. "Besides... what do you know... you're just some fiend deep in your keep befouling the land with your taint." Baracus was getting a bit frustrated with the dissembodied voice. Since to Baracus all of it sounded lie judgement of him. Baracus was unaware of the nature of the magic items as he hadn't brought anyone with him that could identify them. But didn't worry alll that much that they might be cursed or part of a trap given the messy keep.

Marta had to be a bit surprised when the Paladin dunked his whole head into what had come to be known as the 'Fountain of Youth' by some of the beings who called the keep home. She knew he had a waterskin… but this was far more amusing and would begin to effect him even more swiftly. As his mane of hair atop his head was now a bit curly like a child's and his horns seemed shorter. Even his facial features seemed to be softer... more youthful. Of course, Baracus was unaware as to any of this. Other than an ache in his mouth from newly restored baby teeth in his jaws"

"I told you I'm not good with riddles...." Baracus whined a bit and stamped a hoof, a bit like a frustrated toddler. His outburst seemed to trigger something and his belly rumbled heavily deep under his armor. A soft groan followed as Baracus doubled over a bit ad clutched his belly. "Hnnnn." While he wore platemail the leather pants beneath were visible in certain areas. And Marta got a good view from her scrying pool as the seat of the Minotaur's leather pants bulged and sagged. He was messing his pants like a toddler.... his shaky hooved stance widening as he soiled himself.

The baby powder scent and welcoming glow from the next room made the masculine Minotaur even more embarrassed by what he was doing. He wanted to go check out that room but currently his mind was elsewhere... as his hand reached back to heft the large messing contained in his leather pants. He expected the being of the keep to begin laughing and teasing him. Though as dangerous as it might turn out to be... Baracus began stripping out of his platemail so he could change his pants. Eventually standing there in just the soiled leathers and began to strip completely naked.

''Are you sure about that little one? Someone seems to be lacking in their training, potty training that is '' Marte started out laughing as no one prior had been this foolish as to not only believe that they hadn't needed a party and not even seemingly brought anything to ensure nothing would be deceiving or affect them negatively .. Its so odd to her as often it was either those before lost the member that could detect such matters, used up the items to detect or nullify the affects or ran out of energy to do so. Yet Baracus just went in like a child would to trust everything at face value. Not even seemingly thinking twice on anything .

Still the fact Baracus had messed himself had rose from a peaceful slumber the attention a ghostly Nanny from the area the Minotaur might have wanted to explore and while hes distracted he might not notice the ghostly being that's seemingly a giant minotaur ghost to Baracus but is really just the difference in age and eras as Minotaurs used to be way more massive but given where the free ones moved to had kinda caused a shrinkage in size from resources.'' Oh a little one , Oh happy days . Its been so very long sense my services have been needed '' the ghostly being spoke gleefully and was using its power to bring forth what to the Minotaur would seem like innocent enough gear and clothing but is anything but as they are cursed items and will transform once on him.

''Lets get you cleaned up and then properly dressed '' the ghostly being said warmly no threat or hidden meaning behind its intentions honestly at all

"It's not funny." He whined once again... stomping a hoof in frustration at the teasing and laughter. Baracus should have been more cautious... putting his weapon down and taking off his armor without securing the room. But the mushy seat of his leathers was making him make foolish choices. So by the time the ghostly Nanny came up on him he was down to just his leather pants with the saggy seat. He went wide eyed at the giant minotaur spirit as it approached him. "Stay back!" He whined... stepping backwards quickly and stumbling over his gear on the floor.

Baracus landed on the floor in front of the Minotaur ghost with a noticeable squish... like a child in messy pants learning to walk and plopping down after failing. Baracus reached next to him for his great sword that was laying on the floor and held it out in front of him for protection. "Little one? Do I look like a little one!?" Baracus whined again... not aware how much of one he did resemble at the moment. From the mushy pants to the curly hair and youthful features from dunking his head. Marta's plans seemed to be going well so far... given the Nanny Ghost had been drawn to him.

She honestly didn't even need to employ the cursed objects on Baracus, as they were seemingly planned if he had soiled himself elsewhere in the Keep. But his proximity to the Nanny Ghost's area and his whimpering and whining had seemingly drawn her out to him. "I can do it myself... I don't need your help." Baracus insisted, reaching out to try to take the gear from the ghost. The Nanny Ghost probably knew that Marta would like this new Young One, given he was also a Minotaur. Plus he'd already started the process of making himself fit for her with the 'Foutain of Youth'.

''Oh sweetie.. I don't mean to scare you '' the Nanny ghost cooed at Baracus still thinking he is young not just from her skewed/ shot perspective of things from her job when alive and what she was doing before she died , but also do to how small Baracus is compared to the Minotaur children she cared for and the state hes in aswell as behavior so far.. Yet unknown to the ghost is how small most Minotaur's are anymore that has intelligence and not serving who they was first made by .

''Little cows and bulls shouldn't play with such pointy things'' the ghost Nanny spoke in disapproval using some of her power this area grants her to change his sword into a giant raddle '' Now lets get you cleaned up and dressed little one , then I can help you on your way '' The Ghost Nanny while honest is thinking maybe this little one lost his mother or father and has been fending for himself for awhile so Marta would be a great mother for this little one . Even if she has to show tough love in time

''I believe I might even know another we can help you in your quest '' The ghost nanny is thinking placating this Minotaur she thinks is a young child would help this process along plus that cute good friendly Slime would be a good playmate and the Slime does want friends and to make them happy

Baracus looked incredibly confused at the situation unfolding before him... sitting on the floor in his mushy leather pants he was wearing under his armor. And actually began to cry immaturely as his sword was transformed into a magical baby rattle instead. Baracus shaking it in frustration and causing the magic it once contained as a weapon to soothe his babyish emotions that were growing stronger in him.

"I'm not a little cow or bull... I'm a Holy Paladin. You can't do this to me!" Baracus began to cry once more, the crotch of his leather pants darkening as he was soon sitting in a puddle of spreading urine. Without thinking clearly Baracus looked up at the spirit and dropped the rattle... making grabby hands like a child who wanted picked up. Unable to stop himself from letting the babyish desires take charge.

The Minotaur Nanny spirit's talk of another gained a cock off Baracus's head. "A-Another friend?" He wondered as she helped him up... the big bull looking like a shameful calf from the state of his leathers. He'd be happy soon enough though, the Nanny knew that. Between the magical objects that some would call cursed and the new friend that Baracus was going to make. Babies loved their slimy diaper friend.

The spirit cooed at Baracus '' Of course you are sweetie, you are anything you wanna be .'' The Spirit was trying to be be nice and calming to Baracus and even picked him up when Baracus made grabby hands '' Such a good poopy maker .. yes you are''The spirit wants to keep this being from ever being potty trained to have one to care for even when he'd get in its eyes older.. Still she took him to one of the bathing areas to clean him up quickly removing his soiled leather pants and anything else that might be underneath tossing them aside for them to rot away if they can as this to her calf won't be needing such things ever again .

''Yes another friend.. This one has been lonely and needing a friend for a long time.. Can you be a god little one and give this other cutey a chance fpor your new Nanny?'' The ghost as once she was sure Baracus was undressed and putting him in the bath meant for little ones and got to work cleaning him , not at all paying mind to any protests Baracus may have , though she noticed his little bull waking as she cleaned him and frowned at that. Though males of any species tend to get perverted sooner then females of and species so its to be expected especially when on their own. She was thinking . That will need dealt with later on.

'' Such a good little one letting me clean you .. I'm sure you'll be a good little bull soon '' The Nanny ghost cooed lovingly as she worked to ensure Baracus is very clean and feeling good

"Anything?" Baracus wondered as a voice in the back of his head nearly demanded that of course he wanted to be a baby. No fighting, no worries, no stress... just being lovingly taken care of. Which he was already enjoying thanks to the ghostly nanny. Plus the fact the bath he was in likely was being fed with waters from the fountain of youth pool which would continue to encourage his regression. Baracus did shiver a bit in pleasure at the physical contact, unaware of his eventual planned fate.

Baracus frowned a bit feeling bad about the ghostly nanny's lonely friend. He should know better, but his caring emotional nature was being amplified by his regression. "Awww... I'll help your friend." Baracus assured her as the protests died down. It seemed the more he struggled the worse things became... and out of concern of losing himself entirely to babyhood. "It never hurts to help." Of course, this friend was rather strange... as Baracus once bathtime was over would likely discover.

Baracus blushed as his naked form was on display... though was relieved to be free of his wet and messy leather pants. He couldn't help but get a little excited to the fact he was being bathed and scrubbed at his age. Baracus trying his best to distract from the embarrassment with playing with any toys in the tub. "I am a good little bull... err, I mean a big bull." The babyish bull offered as he tried to maintain his status. Though that was growing difficult due to the magics at play and reinforcing treatment.