HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! (and Merry Christmas)

I had meant to post this one January 1, 2012, but I got so busy all of a sudden and time just sort of slipped out of my hands. So, I apologize for the delay. I hope all of your dear readers have had a wonder new years and if you are in California please do enjoy the broadcasting of the Rose Parade. It always amazes me, the grandness of the floats. I hope you've all had a rested winter break and will enjoy this newest chapter of The Minstrel.

RueLin

Second Movement, Part 9

"Welcome back, Minstrel!"

Her fans had gathered around her after the parade. It's been a year since her music had touched their ears. None of them knew, though, the true reason why she was unavailable to play for them last year. The rumors of her illness spread like wild fire and a surprising amount of letters, charms, and gifts flooded into her room at the inn. As a nomad, she wasn't able to take the multitudes of gifts with her. So she gave some to the people among the tribe and some to the innkeeper's family. Still, thought, she was left with a trunk full of gifts, so she sold them to merchants that tag along the trail with the tribe at times. She had made quite a fortune off of them.

"I'm very happy to have returned to play for all of you," Mayuri said with a professional smile. "Please forgive my impudence last year."

"Oh no, no!" the older women said. "It isn't your fault for catching a bug on your travels. We hope that you would stay here and never leave."

Inwardly, Mayuri shriveled at the idea. Honestly, she never liked Amekagure. The village is always cold and busy when she's here. It's only due to Kaimu's affinity with the village and travel schedule of the tribe that she tolerated the place. Recently though, she found herself anticipating the tribes arrival. It meant that she could see Itachi.

But it wasn't only the weather. It was also the people. They were clingy in Mayuri's opinion. Because of the harsh weather conditions and political conditions, the village lacks tourist attractions. It's only during the spring, when plentiful flowers bloom, that anyone from other places would come. As a result, the people were fascinated in anybody that enters the village.

Mayuri understood it wasn't the villagers' fault, but she disliked people that stick their noses in others' business, particularly Nakao, but she had to be tolerated because she was Masamoto's wife.

"I would like to stay, if it weren't for my love in traveling," she answered, "to share my music with everyone around the continent is a special dream of mine," which to a certain degree was true.

The people mingled among themselves as Mayuri let out a small sigh. She looked around as the busy scenery. She had just finished playing for the parade. Her costume hung heavily on her shoulders and her neck was sore from the weight of the headdress. Recently, she had developed migraines while in large and loud crowds.

Far across the town square, standing next to an alleyway behind the fountain, Mayuri saw Toroki. He was watching her with eyes like that of a bird of prey stalking his next target, no doubt keeping an eye on her for his father. Suddenly, her urge to leave increased exponentially.

"Madam," Mayuri interrupted the conversation the ladies were having, "I must go prepare for another anointment, so please excuse me."

"Oh, please do," the lady said. "I hope we haven't kept you for too long."

Mayuri shook her head. "Not at all, madams, it's always a pleasure. Good day." She bowed politely and fled at a controlled pace.

She was alone again backstage in the dressing room. Since four years ago when Kaimu died and Shin and Kagura had left to get married to those outside the tribe, Mayuri had become more and more alone in that small dressing room.

Carefully, Mayuri removed the headdress, cautious against tugging at her hair. She scalp just couldn't take any more stress due to the impending migraine. After making sure none of her hair was tangled in the dangling ornaments, Mayuri placed the headdress back into its carrying case. As usual she had removed her makeup first, though some of the color still stained her skin lightly, subtly enhancing her features.

Next she stripped off the heavy first mo layer of her twelve layer juni-hitoe costume. She reached down to untie her deep blue obi belt when she felt a strong gust of wind enter from the small window up above her.

Before Mayuri could react, she felt arms are firm and strong as iron encircled her waist. She felt a warm breath tickle her neck and silky black hair caress her cheek. And she felt his strong chest pressed against her back. A smile tugged at Mayuri's lips, his mere presence managed to vanquish all her troubles within the blink of an eye.

"A year is far too long," he said, his voice as soft as velvet.

Resting her hand on his, Mayuri closed her eyes. "Agreed."

Mayuri tugged as his hands so she could turn around and look at him, but he held on and resisted her.

"Just let us stay like this for a while," he said with a whisper soft voice. He tightened the grip around her waist, drawing her even closer, and bent down to wedge his face against the delicate satiny skin of her neck.

With her face glowing red, Mayuri attempted at some light conversation, but as usual around him, her mind was blank. "I missed you," she finally managed to say.

She could feel a smile curve against her neck before he placed a kiss there. "I know."

Suddenly, the red curtains closing off her dressing room swung opened. Mayuri's head tumbled a little at the thought of being caught again while on the job. But, Itachi had managed to disappear just before Nakao realized there was another person in the room at all.

"Shinpi! You're performance was astounding as usual," she said cheerfully.

"Thank you for your praises," Mayuri said automatically.

"You haven't changed out of your costume yet," Nakao observed. She came behind Mayuri to untie the intricate obi knot. "Let me help you. It must be hard doing all this by yourself. I hope that you'll marry into our family soon."

Mayuri turned around, her brows curving upwards. "You still haven't given up on that idea?"

Nakao smiled and ignored Mayuri's distressed tone. "Of course not. Having a sweet girl like you marry into our family is the greatest thing I've ever asked for. I've always wanted a daughter you see. But my body is too frail to go through child birth again after I had Toroki."

"I'm sorry, I must say this again, madam, but I will not marry Toroki. I don't like him, and I believe the feeling is mutual."

Ignoring her yet again, Nakao continued as if mayuri had never spoken. "It wouldn't be so bad. You can still continue playing and keep your business. We can even hire someone to help you with preparations."

"I am sorry, madam, but I cannot!" Mayuri said, raising her voice.

Nakao was forced to stay quiet after mayuri's outwardly rejection. Folding up the obi, Nakao set it to the side and she continued to work in awkward silence until Mayuri was finally changed into her regular clothing.

"What are you doing after this?" Nakao asked quiet at the door.

Mayuri sighed. At least she was talking about something other than her marriage with Toroki. "I have three other appointments after this. Then I'm finished for the day. No doubt your husband will be keeping my eyes on me."

"Are you meeting with anyone?"

"That s my business," Mayuri said.

Nakao whipped around. "You're meeting with that ninja again, aren't you? Are you so smitten with him? Have you fallen in love?"

"It's none of your business, Nakao! I will do my duties this year so well that you and your husband will not be able to complain at all! So leave my private life alone!"

Another awkward long silence ensued and Mayuri could sense that Nakao was very close to tears though she kept them at bay. Without another word, Nakao left and Mayuri was left to clean and pack up her things with a bitter taste in her mouth.

Nakao wasted no time. She was losing Shinpi, her hopes of having a beautiful daughter-in-law. She flung Toroki's door opened. The boy was sulking, as usual, she thought with a sigh.

"Mom," he said, surprised. "What's the matter?"

"It's Shinpi!" she screamed, tears dripping out of her eyes. "I can't get it through to her that you two are perfect! But she doesn't see it. That ninja has cast one of his Jutsus on her. I don't know what to do anymore!"

Nakao collapsed on one of Toroki's trunks, sobbing. He came over to comfort his dramatic mother.

"You'll take to her won't you? Talk to her nicely. Not the way you usually talk to her, like a little boy teasing the girl he likes."

"How long have you known that I feel that way about her?"

Nakao chuckled and wiped her tears away. "Ever since you brought her to that cave, half frozen, on your back," she said. "That look on your face, as if you found treasure."

"If you think about it in a business sense, I kind of did. The caravan became more popular after she started twanging her instruments. Don't worry, mom. I'll talk her nicely. It'll be a little difficult getting her to meet with me, but I have a plan."

"You won't get mad if she is difficult."

"Can't guarantee that, but I'll do my best."

"Make sure to tell her how you feel. Make sure she understands everything you've done was for her."

"I got it."

"And you'll be an absolute gentleman?"

"Yes, yes."

Nakao's mood changed 180 degrees almost instantly. "I love you," she said as she kissed Toroki's cheek."

"I know, mom."

.oOo.

It was dark when Mayuri finally made it back to her room. She had just finished playing for a dinner party. She hadn't had a chance to eat yet, and only felt more starved as she watched her audience dine on gourmet cuisines and high class sake. But, at the end of the day, she felt too tired to even care about eating.

She put her instruments down and was just about to get ready for a long, quiet sleep when a knock sounded out her door. Reluctantly, Mayuri dragged herself away from her soft inviting futon and pillow to the door.

"It's late," she said discarding her well learned manners. "What is it?"

"I have a message from Lupa," a familiar male voice said.

Upon hearing her friend's name, Mayuri slid opened the door. It was Shouma, Lupa's cousin, and cohort of Toroki's.

"What did she say?" Mayuri interrogated, crossing her arms defensively.

"She wants to meet you near the docks. She said it's urgent."

"Why? Why didn't she just come to me?"

Shouma shrugged, looking rather irritated about doing his errand. "I don't know. She didn't tell me. She was crying and asked only for you."

"Why is she crying?" Mayuri asked quickly, dropping her defenses.

Shouma made a clicking sound with his tongue and teeth and scowled. He scratched the back of his head with three quick movements of his hand. "I already said, I don't know! The only way for you to find out is to go to her."

Without another word, Mayuri turned back into her room, grabbed the closest haori, and went out of the room with Shouma. They walked quickly past colorful, bright crowds to the dark, empty space of the docks. A few sconces were still lit, but the shadows behind buildings were dark and ominous.

Shouma stopped and pointed in the direction of an alley.

"She's waiting for you in there," he said.

"Really? I don't see her." A nervous chill ran down Mayuri's spine.

"Believe me, or don't. I'm leaving." Shouma turned and left as he said those words.

Quietly, cautiously, Mayuri made her way to the alley that Shouma directed. There was no sign of Lupa. In fact, there was no sign of anyone anywhere.

Suddenly, someone stepped out from the eerie alleyway and into the yellow light that shone from the torch-shaped sconce attached to the building next to the alley.

"Toroki," Mayuri hissed and regained her defensive pose.

Before she could bolt away from him, Toroki grabbed her wrist, seizing her small body.

"Please wait," he begged. "I just want to talk."

"I came to talk to Lupa, not you!" Mayuri struggled more, but soon she realized it was useless. He was no longer the skinny boy, but a lanky young man now.

When she stopped fighting back, he let go of his hold on her and kept his hands up, palms facing her. "I just want to talk."

Massaging her bruising wrists, Mayuri stayed put. "I can't believe you would stoop so low as to lie." She flashed him an angry look. "So, out with it! What is it that you want?"

Toroki looked away as a blush made its way across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his pants, just so he didn't need to occupy them with something to do as he suddenly felt very awkward standing in front of Shinpi.

"The thing is…" he started but died tragically with a sigh. He wondered if his brain had melted into mush, he wasn't able to get a coherent word out of his mouth. He turned around in an agitated half circle, a hand came up to rub the back of his head. "I-I like…"

Annoyance won over caution. Mayuri sighed heavily, dropping her arms to her sides and looked up at Toroki with bored eyes. "Hurry up! What do you want? If you speak in the next minute I'm going to leave!" she threatened.

Frustrated and feeling like an injured creature being cornered, Toroki whirled around, grabbed Mayuri's shoulder with iron bending strength, and pushed her against the wall behind him. Mayuri let out a cry and looked up at Toroki's eyes with hers, wide with surprise and trembling with a new sense of fear.

It's now or never. Those words flashed through Toroki's mind before he crushed his mouth down on hers. Before she could move, he cuffed her wrists with his hold.

She struggled, and he discovered that he perversely enjoyed her squirming underneath him. He wondered what he would do if they were in a more private setting. New fantasies weaved through his mind of how he would tease and torture her body into submission. She would moan and cry with him.

Sometime while he was still dreaming, Mayuri pulled her hands free of his hold and shoved him away with all her might. Unnerved, Toroki returned only to receive her cold slap. He didn't feel the burning sting until his head cleared and he felt the cold breeze strike ever so gently across his smarting skin. He turned his over to her with his hand on his cheek.

She was red with anger, her face glowing more than her brightly colored hair. "You lie!" she accused with a stabbing forefinger as she pointed at him.

Suddenly, his love for her turned into hate. He lashed out and grabbed her again; this time is fingers curled around her skinny throat. He felt her racing pulse under his thumb as he held her life in his hands.

"You'll never understand me," he hissed through his teeth. "I've been patient. But I've had it. I'll just have you right here, right now!"

He bent down to take what he wanted, to steal away from her innocence with brutality. The hand at her throat moved down to her shoulder and pinned her securely against the hard stone wall as he licked the satiny skin at her neck.

"No!" Mayuri cried, but he covered her mouth with his before she could.

He held both her wrists down with one hand and covered her mouth with the other, and started his treacherous feasting down the length of her neck and chest to where the collar of her yukata formed a V.

Tears spewed uncontrollably out of Mayuri's eyes and flowed down his arm. It should have pained him a to know that she was suffering and that she'll undoubtedly despise him even more after this, but carnal desire took over. He planned to eat her.

Just as the last thought was conjured in his head, Toroki felt a force he had never felt in his entire life separate him from Mayuri and he was propelled several feet away from her. He scrambled up on his feet in panic and shock.

He saw a black cape adorned with red clouds envelope Mayuri.

"Akatsuki," he muttered eyes wide.

Itachi moved slowly, slow enough so that the fool's wretchedly lazy eyes could keep up with his movements. The flash of his cape and straw hat made his identity known to the fool. Now, he'll make his prowess known to the fool.

His arms wrapped protectively around Mayuri and lifted her off the ground with ease. She was as light as a feather in his embrace. He wanted to shower her with kisses until her tears stopped. But he had unfinished business.

When she saw the rage flash across his face, Mayuri knew he wanted to kill Toroki, and she knew he would do it without batting an eyelash. But even if she knew he was a murderer and his hands were soiled, she didn't want him to be one in front of her. She had decided long ago that she would live with him in blissful, selfish ignorance.

Mayuri cupped a bruised hand on his pale cheek and made him look at her. His red, sharp, flaming eyes met her violet, cool, soft eyes. "Stop," she whispered her plea.

And he understood. So, he wouldn't kill him, but he would make sure the dog never touched her again. Itachi turned his murderous gaze back to Toroki and felt him tremble and shake uncontrollably. He made sure the poor fool saw the devil tonight, and made sure he would never forget.

Before Toroki began foaming at the mouth, before his head started to swoon, Itachi had taken Mayuri away in a long, sweeping jump, to the secret haven of their cherry tree.