Endymion
By dee1600
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters. This story was inspired by Hyde's song Shallow Sleep from his Roentgen album.
Author's Note:
To Dark Anime Love: I got the whole concept of this story from Greek mythology actually (although I realized that Chiba Mamoru from Sailormoon is also Endymion). I then made my own ideas into the story.
To Hasso: As to whether Aoshi is a demon, werewolf or vampire, he is none of the above. He was cursed in his appearance changing him from the handsome stud we know him to be to a large, black dog with green eyes (I pictured him to look like Hayao Miyazaki's wolves in Princess Mononoke). As to his seeming immortal existence, the answer to that mystery will be coming in later chapters.
To all reviewers: Thank you very much for all the wonderful reviews and I hope to get you hooked reading it despite the short chapters.
Sincerely,
dee1600
Chapter 4: The Wager
In the legends of old, it is said that the woodland goddess once roamed this vast evergreen forest. Takano Megumi was her name and she was highly praised for her strength, wisdom and beauty. Males, both god and mortal alike, have tried to wed her, but she showed no interest in any lover-like relationship. Angry with her rejection of their proposals, the men set a trap to capture the lady. They were elated with their triumph and forced her to choose one of them as her husband-to-be. In an attempt to prolong her chastity, Megumi made a wager --- whoever could defeat her in archery contest would become her husband. However, for those were defeated by her would be slain. Now, it was also well-known that Megumi was highly skilled with a bow. So skilled was she that even the cheetahs could not escape her poisoned arrows. On that day, Megumi's Forest was bathed in blood --- every male who dared challenge her quickly met their deaths. This story is told and retold, passed on from generation and generation. It is a warning to those who dare set foot into Megumi's Forest…
Aoshi sniffed the ground, his tail swishing back and forth like a pendulum. "She was here only a few hours ago. She could not have gone far."
"So why are we looking for this Takano Megumi?"
He ignored me as he increased his speed, making me hold onto him tighter to prevent me from asking more questions. Not that I'm complaining. He was letting me ride him today, something that he didn't allow too often. I closed my eyes and bury my face in his soft fur. Whenever he lets me ride him, I feel myself drift into sleep…
"You can let go now, child."
I realized that Aoshi had stopped and I was disappointed that the journey was short. I then got off him and looked around me. We seemed to have come across a large clearing in the forest. The trees surrounded it, making it look like a grand coliseum, with the birds and bees as spectators. The sun was shining brightly above and there, in front of us was the renowned goddess of hunt, taking her afternoon nap. Resting her head on an oak tree's bough, her dark black hair cascaded like black velvet sheets. The short toga exposed her curvaceous legs and her perfect oval face seemed as soft as peaches. But what I believe drew men to her were ruby red lips. Indeed, she was a sight to behold. No wonder all the males flocked to her!
As we went closer, she opened her eyes, pulled herself up and turned her head towards us. She cocked her eyebrow and smirked, her eyes glued to Aoshi.
"Funny, how the world seems a lot smaller, eh? I see you have brought a friend along. Maybe you would like some tea? "
From the way she looked at him, it seemed that she knew him well and I grew annoyed.
Then just as suddenly as she looked at Aoshi, she turned her eyes on me and laughed. It was a disquieting sound that made my hairs stand on end. It was as if she knew what I was feeling. She had that knowing grin on her face. I suppressed a cold shiver.
"You know what I am here for so let's finish this."
"Tsk, tsk. So impatient like always. Is she also joining us in our little bet?"
"No. Child, move out of here now!"
I backed away until my left shoulder was scratching against the bark of the tree.
"Very well…"
Megumi jumped down from the tree and magically on her right hand appeared a large bow.
"I'm ready when you are."
Aoshi's charged towards Megumi his voice sounding like a battle cry. Megumi then took aim at Aoshi, her bow pressed to her left arm and her right hand glowed, revealing a gold arrow ready to take down its opponent. Megumi then started shooting several arrows at Aoshi as he lunged forth, his form darting here and there to prevent himself from getting shot down. I could only watch, fear clutching at my heart as I desperately looked on, my heart thumping wildly. And then Megumi glanced at me and shot an arrow my way. I watched as the arrow came swiftly and almost nicked me had not the shadow blocked the speeding arrow. And then the shadow was falling, the dread suddenly taking hold…
"Aoshi!"