Bad Ends Dungeon 01: Medusa

Percellus tread carefully across the stone floor of the dungeon. The cavern above was obviously natural, with stalactites jutting down from the ceiling and a network of bioluminescent plants filling the space with a warm, yellow light that more or less illuminated the space, albeit at a dimmer level than ideal.

The environment on the ground was another story. For one, the floor was smooth, as if someone either meticulously grinded down the rocky cave's interior, or tiled over it in an impressive feat of masonry. It was a little too dark to tell without a closer look, and Percellus had neither the interest nor the time anyway.

This dungeon was different from the others. For one, it had an unusual name, in the local dwarven dialect, which translated to something like "The Dungeon of Bad Endings." Tall tales were abundant of adventurers who braved the network of caves and hallways under the Mist Fortune Mountain Pass, never to return. Most died, some were allegedly lured to stay under some kind of enchantment. Precise details varied from one source to the next, but in general, the stories agreed that the place was cursed, and best avoided.

But they also tended to agree that the dungeon contained unfathomable treasures, tucked into random rooms, where they were ripe for the taking. That represented a sizable score for Percellus, a decently experienced ranger with a reputation for stealth and sensibility. He had no need to get greedy: just one trip in, a bag full of whatever loot he could carry, and a quick exit would line his pockets for a comfortable winter before the sea unfroze and he could book passage home and finally retire from this dangerous life of adventure and excitement. He tentatively hoped to open a bakery.

This chamber, however, revealed another unusual - and hardly natural - aspect of the dungeon. The floor was covered in statues, each immaculately carved with incredible attention to detail. The sculptures featured lifelike clothing which still conveyed impossible details like translucent garments, and wrinkles across the body. Their maker was obviously skilled in his or her trade.

Equally detailed were the faces of these statues. Although some stared ahead with a sort of thoughtful indifference, most lay in compromising positions with faces twisted in agony, or perhaps desperation. The majority were highly explicit works, artists depicting them in visible states of arousal, with elevated nipples, erect cocks, and some even having the painstaking detail of arousal dripping from their sex. Some were even masturbating, or desperately humping against some other stone surface.

Percellus could feel his own manhood stiffening at the lewd display. Whoever chiseled these statues had expertly captured their pornographic acts, and the adventurer had to wonder how they got this far underground without a hint of damage.

He made it a few cautious paces further before he realized the sculptures were simply too lifelike for human hands, freezing in his tracks as the alternative dawned on him.

Gorgons.

Monstrous women were said to roam the caves of this part of the world, in spaces where the underdark met the surface realm. The creatures had a visage that could turn any observer to stone on the spot, something only powerful magic - and reliable friends to supply it - could achieve. Percellus had access to neither, on this expedition.

The ranger tore a strip of spare cloth from his supply pack and wrapped it around his head, creating a makeshift blindfold. He could just barely see silhouettes of the room through the fibers, but would have to take it slow, at least as long as he spent in this obstacle-filled, pornographic statue garden.

No sooner had he equipped the blindfold than he heard footsteps coming around the corner from behind him. Turning backward, he didn't quite have the light to see anyone, meaning whoever shared this cavern with him was at least 10 feet out, give or take. He drew his short sword and donned a shield, cautiously optimistic that he could avoid a fight.

"Who goes there?" He asked into the dim middle distance. "Reveal yourself!"

The footsteps quickened, and Percellus saw a vaguely humanoid silhouette appear through his thin blindfold just in time to dodge a swing of its fist. He slashed his sword at the would-be attacker, but missed: the blinding garment may have left some limited vision directly in front of his view, but it offered zero awareness of his periphery.

The adversary picked up on the weakness immediately. A kick to the solar plexus and several jabs later, the sword was knocked from the ranger's hand as his assailant shoved a foot into the back of his knee, forcing him into a kneeling position with a knife to his throat, their other arm pinning Percellus' behind his back.

The moment his knees hit the floor, the adventurer flinched as something massive and scaly slithered under his leg, then to his arms before suddenly pulling tight around his wrists, binding them together behind his back.

The air felt still as Percellus held his breath. The blade's tip was cool against his chin, drawing the tiniest drop of blood where it grazed his flesh. The apparent massive constrictor around his wrists left few options to fight back.

He only breathed a sigh of relief as the dagger fell from his neck, as a sultry, feminine voice from behind gave a playful laugh.

"I am Medusa, gorgon of the Mist Fortune Pass," the voice said, from a mouth that was suddenly very close to Percellus' ear, where he could feel her cool breath washing over his neck.

She took a beat before continuing, letting the tension build with theatrical timing.

"Oh, you can stop shaking, dear, as long as you're a good boy for me, no harm will come to you," the woman continued. "Quite, the opposite actually. I'm going to immortalize you, the way such a strong hero deserves..."

He could practically hear the wicked, devious grin around the monster's lips as its next words they fell from her lips.

"... in stone."

The woman let out a malevolent, almost casual chuckle as a *clang* startled Percellus, his cuirass dropping to the stone floor. He must've been distracted by the gorgon's flirtatious banter as she cut the armor's straps. Even so, the gorgon's touch must have been remarkably precise to do so without slicing into his skin in the process.

The gear brought his skirt of leather strips down with it, and Percellus felt goosebumps across his flesh as the cool air of the underground dungeon met his now exposed skin, kneeling naked on the mossy floor.

Warm blood rushed to his face as his erect manhood was exposed. The gorgon gasped, though whether in genuine or feigned surprise he couldn't tell without his vision. Quickly regaining her composure, the creature's seductive voice resumed washing over him.

"My oh my, little hero, you're a ~specimen~" she cooed, hairs on Percellus' neck standing on edge as the woman caressed a gentle hand against his toned abs, reaching around his waist to do so. "The armor doesn't do you much justice at all, I'm glad I took it off before adding you to my collection."

Percellus had heard enough.

"You'll never petrify me, daimon! My will is strong! I am Percellus of the Golden Isles, and I will not be tricked into -"

He was cut off as surprisingly soft, scale-free fingers entered his mouth and clenched down, grabbing his jaw and stuffing his tongue into his throat before he could even gasp with shock. Percellus fumed, humiliated as he felt his cock throb from the unexpected show of force.

"Quiet!" the still unseen voice hissed, suddenly far more stern than her gentle musings so far. The ranger felt the reptile binding his wrists tighten its hold rather suddenly, as what felt like claws dug slightly into his pelvis in the monster's other hand. "Your fate is sealed, ranger, as it was the moment you stepped into my domain. In this stone garden of mine, I make the rules, and my rule is that pretty little playthings like yourself do *not* talk back. Nod if you understand."

The hero took a beat. If nothing else, he was certainly in no position to bargain at the moment. If he wanted to escape this place - with or without the treasure he sought - he'd have to bide his time and wait for a better opportunity. He hoped she wouldn't call his bluff, after his moment's hesitation.

He nodded, as best as he could with a hand clenched on his jaw.

"Good boy," the vixen said, her fingers leaving the man's mouth, slick with his saliva, as they reached down and delicately grabbed his involuntarily excited cock. Her voice returned to its more seductive, playful tone. "Now, let me tell you about what's going to happen to you.

"Sooner or later, you're going to open your eyes, and when you do, you're going to see me. When that happens, you'll turn to stone, as I'm sure you've already guessed."

The monster's feminine hand had a practiced touch, more pleasurable than any human lover of Percellus' had before, as the creature's fingers began to slowly move up and down his shaft, digits barely brushing against the sensitive skin as he felt his heart beat between his legs.

"What I'm sure you didn't know, my poor, helpless, hero, is that your mind will remain, even as your body petrifies," Percellus managed to hold his tongue from snapping at the way she said "helpless," correctly deducing the monster's intentions to egg him on. "I know because I can sense the thoughts of those I turn to stone. Their soul continues to cry out in an-ever-so subtle way that I can... taste, on the air.

"There are two fates of those who join my garden. The first is one of dignity: those brave adventurers who dared to look me in the eye and accept their inevitable end with honor intact. Many have achieved some kind of enlightenment by now, it seems, stuck in a kind of meditative state where they can see and hear and feel, but never move.

"The second is one of agony. Those feisty playthings who go out fighting, and pay the price for their defiance."

The way she whispered that last sentence put Percellus on edge as the monstergirl's hand continued to expertly tease at his member, now squeezing minutely tighter as it sped up its strokes, her other hand reaching up to gently squeeze his neck.

"You see, those who cooperate get all sorts of privileges. They can position themselves before turning to stone, get nice and comfortable in position for all eternity. Those who don't are stuck with whatever pose they happen to strike when their will finally breaks. When they slip up for a moment, faces still twisted in anguish and fear, eyes showing desperation for any alternative to the type of torment I can inflict, that's how they're remembered. Forever."

The hand on Percellus' neck squeezed tighter, either intentionally or because the speaker was getting herself excited. He felt the nails dig into his neck. They were definitely claws, he decided.

"But the relief never comes," the gorgon continued. "When someone turns to stone, every fiber of their being, every nerve does so at the same time. They'll continue to experience whatever physical sensations they felt at the moment they froze. Until they turn to dust."

She paused long enough for that information to sink in. Percellus' breath caught in his throat as he realized the implications.

"Imagine an eternity on the edge of an orgasm," Medusa laughed, a soft, cruel tone. "I recall one bright young wizard found herself falling into insanity in just a few hours, she was frozen so close to release. Another man, a rather rebellious little rogue, even opened his eyes at the moment I accidentally ruined his orgasm. An unfortunate mistake, to be sure, but I must say, his agony is just so delicious. You can even see the cum leaking down his cock on his statue!"

Percellus couldn't help but imagine how he'd look, frozen like this. Face stoic, eyes glaring forward with his cock jutting out for all to see.

As a perfect replica of himself, the six inches of already rock-hard equipment below his belt could probably serve as the ideal dildo, placed at just the right height for someone to use for their own release. He couldn't help but wonder if that was what this monster wanted with him. It certainly seemed likely.

The adventurer pushed his submissive thoughts away. He would not allow his lust in the moment to hamper his odds of escape.

His resolve flickered for a moment as the masterful hand let go of his rigid cock, causing his hips to thrust forward against his will in a subconscious effort to continue the pleasure.

If she noticed it, Medusa paid the involuntary movement little mind as she moved in front of the captive, then reached her hands behind the man's head to slowly undo his blindfold.

The moment felt strangely intimate as she knelt so close in front of Percellus, their breathing synced as their lips hovered centimeters apart, her naked chest pressing casually against his own.

"You know, the rumors about me are wrong," she murmured, hands carefully untying the knot of fabric without pulling on a single strand of hair. "Most think gorgons turn humans to stone from their monstrous appearance, a horror so terrible to behold, they're cursed with petrification. But as the only sentient creature that can see me, I've got to say, I'd wager I'm more beautiful than any woman ever painted, carved or written about in your human histories. I think that's what petrifies the mortals who gaze upon my form.

"I can even get off on my own reflection sometimes!" she offered, with a provocative little chuckle.

Medusa paused as the blindfold came undone, still holding it up around the adventurer's head with uncharacteristic gentleness. She had done this dozens of times. The next several moves of the chess game were all but predetermined.

"This is your chance, Percellus of The Golden Isles. When your mask comes off, you can open your eyes to have your handsome, heroic image immortalized forever in my lair. Let your gaze fall upon the prettiest woman you'll ever behold and become one with my garden."

The gorgon pulled the piece of fabric away from Percellus' face and let it drop into his lap.

...And watched as the visibly aroused adventurer in front of her continued to face straight ahead, mouth locked shut with emotionless resolve, the rest of his face relaxed as his eyes remained gently shut.

Medusa couldn't help grinning. She loved it when they resisted.

----

Percellus was dripping with sweat and precum, a groan of raw sexual frustration escaping his throat as the monstrous woman let go of his cock for what seemed like the thousandth time in a marathon of edging.

Though he had no way to know, it had been over an hour since his mask came off. While the stubborn warrior had managed to endure the endless assault of sucking, stroking, lickimg, squeezing and verbal teasing, he had to admit he was reaching his limit as proof of his arousal streamed from the tip of his throbbing dick.

While the reptile coiled around his wrists seemed to have loosened up in the time since - perhaps due to fatigue - Percellus remained unsure of his ability to escape its binding, given the animal's reflexes.

On top of that, his closed eyes and thoroughly distracted mind made it difficult to assess any tactical options. He'd need to find or make an opportunity soon, before his willpower ran out.

Before he could consider how to do that, he felt a new sensation against his phallus, as warm, wet, soft flesh pressed against his tip.

"Oh fuck I just knew you'd be a PERFECT fit," the gorgon moaned. "Consider yourself lucky, Mighty Hero, I almost never fuck a mortal while they're still flesh, but I just couldn't seem to help myself anymore, your cock is just so tempting!"

Percullus failed to contain a groan of his own as his foe's pussy slid down his shaft, her ass pressing against his abs as she faced away from him to enjoy the full length of his manhood in her tight, slick entrance. She was clearly mounting him in a reverse position, facing away from him for the first verifiable time as she greedily began bouncing on his dick, instructing him not to even think about cumming yet.

This would have to do. The monster had her back turned, it was perhaps the only chance he'd get for a second's surprise. He had to take it, no matter how divine the woman's pussy felt bottoming out on his cock.

When she next thrust onto him, Percellus leaned back sharply and smacked his arms downward, slamming the coiled constrictor snake's head against the stone floor behind him to stun it. There was no way he had the momentum to kill a beast of its size, but a substantial enough blow to the skull would certainly discourage the animal's grip for a moment.

With that, he continued to ride the backward momentum, standing abruptly on cramped legs from his previous kneeling place and yanking his arms from the now limp restraints. His limbs shot forward and locked around the place he expected the gorgon's torso to be, pouring every ounce of energy into a suplex maneuver as he leveraged her upward-bouncing momentum to hoist the monster's body over his own, before slamming her onto the floor behind him alongside the massive snake.

The gambit paid off, and he lunged to take advantage of the moment, hand darting out to clench the hair of this cruel, sadistic monster so he could hold her in place as he fumbled around for a weapon on the floor.

He recognized his mistake as soon as he grabbed her, feeling only cold, slithering, hissing creatures where there should have been hair.

Percellus cried out as dozens of snakes atop the gorgon's head sank their fangs into his arm, piercing pain forcing him to let go as he stumbled backward. It was the only moment of weakness the supernatural woman needed as the ranger felt his sense of balance start to fail.

The gorgon leapt to pin him down where he fell, wrestling him to the ground with surprising speed for someone slammed against a stone floor only moments before. Percellus struggled against her, but somehow couldn't find the strength to push out of her grip on his wrists, or even to hoist her off of himself with the rest of his body, despite having literally lifted her off the ground moments before.

Grunts of frustration became a bellow of rage when he noticed the monster on top of him was laughing.

"Oh, my brave, foolish, poor little adventurer," she mocked, her voice shrill as she sank closer to his face, letting her lips brush against his neck exquisitely as she continued to taunt him. "You must not have heard of gorgon venom, have you? My little snakes here produce a toxin that can weaken every muscle in that lean, chiseled body of yours."

Another wicked giggle spilled from her mouth before she continued, still holding down her captive's arms and legs with close to zero effort.

"Don't worry though, sweetheart. It can't kill you. And it won't affect anything above your neck," she said. "So you can keep trying to hold out with those eyes of yours. I've got all the time in the world to break you."

She kissed his mouth deeply, shoving a tongue down Percellus' throat in a way he hated to admit drove his libido back to its maximum.

"Oh, but it does have some side effects," she said between fervent kisses, almost as an afterthought. "Namely the aphrodisiac qualities. You'll be hard for at least a day, with that many bites!"

Now laying on top of her prey, the gorgon prepared to let the real fun begin.

This adventurer had proven far more durable than most, in terms of his sexual stamina. She'd have to make the most of her prey while he lasted.

Grabbing the powerless hero by the neck, she dragged him with magically imbued strength across the open room to a stone slab, one of the only items in the room carved from real marble, instead of sentient petrified humanoids. She had no trouble binding his weakened limbs to the block's sides with a pair of manacles reserved for just that purpose, before silently admiring her handiwork, watching the man's abs tighten with shaky, nervous breaths. He was still hard, too, showing more submissive tastes than he'd let on, or at least low tolerance for her arousing venom. How cute.