** I decided to add a quick chapter so my readers could get to know my OC more, I will continue with Chapter 9 so the story will remain close to the original series. Please enjoy and this does take place before chapter 8 **

"Speaking"

Rayla's Thoughts

Some Else's thoughts

Someone's imagination

*Action*

**** I don't own the Saiyuki Characters but I did create this chapter all my own :) ****

Chapter 7.5 - Moonlight Ray

I remember life before, every re-incarnation and every painful truth. Nataku had been the first to accept me when Kanzeon brought me before him. Being a war god, I wasn't really needed but he still took me as personal servant though he never treated me in such a manner. He was a tool used by the gods, never knowing joy, fun or love. Goku taught Nataku to know the innocence of youth while I taught him the value of friendship...

"Call!" Goku, Sanzo, Hakkai and Gojyo each showed their pieces as they played the usual game of Mahjong. They were taking a short break to rest and re-supply, Rayla sat in the open window sill with Hakuryuu on her shoulder fast asleep.

Hakkai looked over at her after Sanzo won the round with a triple straight, "He's not usually so comfortable with others but you seem to get along well."

Rayla how ever didn't answer as she continued to stare outside, the sun was slowly beginning to lower in the sky. The other three looked over at Rayla as well when she didn't comment or even acknowledge she had been spoken to.

"Ray-Ray? Are you okay?" Goku asked concerned. She turned as her loose hair swung around her waist, she walked right past them and went to the door. Sanzo became irritated by her lack of responses, "Rayla!"

She stopped mid step as he called her name, "I'm going for a walk." She stated simply. She left through the door before anyone could stop her, with Hakuryuu still hung around her shoulders.

When the door closed Goku looked at Sanzo with Hakkai and Gojyo, he merely continued with his paper, "Sanzo, I think there's something wrong with Ray-Ray!" Goku stated to earn his attention.

"Maybe she's sick of being your maid! She cleans after you, feeds you and all you ever do I ask for more!" Gojyo suggested to Goku.

Goku got mad as his eyes narrowed, "Your one to talk! All you ever do is hit on her, treating like a piece of meat..." A new thought came to Goku, "You don't think she would... Leave us?" His eyes widened at the thought.

"Now Goku calm down. Rayla cares for you far to much to leave you but Gojyo is right you could appreciate her more and Gojyo you do need to stop treating her like one for your tarts." Hakkai said trying to calm the situation down. He couldn't help but wonder himself as to why she would leave and with Hakuryuu at that.

Goku's eyes watered while Gojyo got defensive, "Oh yeah! What about you Hakkai!"

"What about me?" He asked confused, his green eyes surprised.

Gojyo smirked, "You get her to make the tea when your tired, clean and feed Hakuryuu and I've seen you ditch her with laundry several times!" Gojyo turned his attention to Sanzo who was quiet, "And you monk! You treat her no better than a damn dog! Making her get your paper, fetch you smokes and lighters! Hell you hardly even acknowledge her!"

Sanzo slammed his paper down with a heated glare and irk mark on his brow, "Will you idiots SHUT UP! She'll come back, she has Hakuryuu with her remember!"

Rayla was now seated in the dense forest outside of the town, she was crossed legged by a river bank. It was the first small clearing she was able to find but it was a few minutes from the town but it worked well for her task. She released her demonic aura to continue her personal training. Her eyes were closed but her loose hair grew to flow down her back and resting on the grass. Her claws grew as her ears became pointed, the jewel set in the middle of her limiter became a ruby red color.

"Kyuuuu" Hakuryuu cooed at her as he nuzzled her cheek, "Thank you for assisting me Hakuryuu, I fear my powers may be becoming unpredictable and perfecting them is one of the few ways to ensure everyone's safety."

She opened her now red eyes focusing upon the stream in front of her to create her own water. A fountain sprayed up above her before she honed into the feel of the water. A stream flowed around her in a spiral before it became a full shield covering her and Hakuryuu from sight. She then switched to her offensive and create slices of water cutting up the tree's around her.

The water calmed down before it absorbed into her body, "Water skills are fine, perhaps it was my skills with the wind that is on the fritz?" Rayla said out loud to herself as she turned slightly to the side to look at Hakuryuu, "Shall we test my theory my friend?"

"Kyuuuuuuu!" He answered her with a flutter of his wings. She pet him gently along his neck as he gave a quiet purr enjoying the extra attention. She smiled happily, "Let's begin."

She once again focused as she allowed her body to become light as a feather, she became one with the wind she controlled. A gust of wind blew around them and slowly began to lift the both of them. She hovered only inches above the ground, "Now Hakuryuu."

Right on cue Hakuryuu expanded his wings as the breeze lifted his wings and small body up high above her head. She allowed a ball of wind to surround Hakuryuu's body like a barrier before she threw a dagger straight for his little body.

Once the knife got close the wind barrier shattered the blade leaving the handle to fall freely to the ground infront of her. She calmed the wind down and lowered Hakuryuu right down to her shoulders again.

"Kyu - Kyuu!" He chirped at her completely unharmed. She smiled at the small creature, "The trust you have in me my friend warms my heart."

She then sighed as she stared blankly at the river in front of her, her face became consumed with thoughts. If my powers are fine then what could this unrest I feel be caused by? It had been over 500 years since she saw Nataku but Goku was still by her side... He doesn't need me either... Perhaps it is time I traveled on my own...

"Kyu?" Hakuryuu nudged her face snapping her out of her thoughts.

She blinked before her eyes softened, "Even you have more use to them than I do. My healing is not needed with Hakkai around, My blades are not nearly as useful as Nyoi-bo or Shakugetsujou. Even my demonic powers aren't nearly as useful as the scripture Sanzo carries... Hakuryuu... I do not understand this emptiness in my heart."

His head tilted to the side as he listened to his friend when a rusting caught both their attention...

"Hey Sanzo, if your so sure Ray-Ray will come back then do you have an idea on what she's doing? The sun's setting already!" Goku complained now standing where Rayla had been a few hours earlier.

Sanzo sighed as he lite a cigarette, "Why are worried so much? She can take care of herself." He answered simply.

"I have to admit even I am a little worried, What if she really did leave?" Hakkai added with a hand on his chin.

Gojyo lite his own smoke as he shifted his red eyes to meet green ones, "What about Hakuryuu? Why would he go with her?"

"Ray did mention being able to manipulate air and water maybe Hakuryuu is attached to that since he is a dragon." Hakkai pondered aloud, "Ray is quite charismatic as well, She tends to care for him should I forget."

"Damn women, She always was a pain." Sanzo grumbled while Hakkai snickered, "Sanzo you do realize you have gone through three packs of smokes since she left, right?"

Sanzo looked at all the ashtrays surrounding them, Gojyo had two on each side while Sanzo was now on his fifth ashtray he pouted as a knock at the door caught their attention, "RAY-RAY!" Goku called happily as he ran to the door.

On the other side was the inn keeper, "I have your dinner here gentlemen... oh where did your lovely young friend go?" He asked notices only the men in the room. He wasn't an old man but in his late thirties with shaggy brown hair and brown eyes.

Goku pouted again slowly trudging back to where he was, "I'm not hungry" He muttered.

Gojyo's smoke fell from his mouth as he and Hakkai were stunned by Goku's change in mood. Sanzo got up and took the tray from the inn keeper, "She's out for a walk." He answered simply not all that concerned.

"I see, well if there is anything else please let me know." The keeper said as he closed the door behind him to continue with all the other customers.

Sanzo set the food down on the table as Hakkai and Gojyo joined him, Goku sighed, "Staring out the window won't make her come back any faster..." Sanzo told him beginning to become annoyed with the behavior she had caused.

"I do wonder myself as to what she could be doing, this isn't like her." Hakkai pointed out as they all begin to think of what she could be doing.

Gojyo smiled, "Humph maybe she's out looking a good night of fun." He suggested wagging his eyebrows.

Rayla had her hair up with a few strands hanging loosely around her beautiful face, red lipstick graced her full lips as black eyeliner framed her twinkling violet eyes. A tight form fitting strapless blue dress clung to her curvy body, her long legs were exposed up to her round hips and black heels on her feet.

She batted her eyelashes, "Oh Gojyo, I could never tell you before but I'm absolutely crazy about you..." She purred as she hung off his shoulders with her chest out.

"I was afraid you would reject me but I can no longer hide my feelings..." She leaned in with her perfect lips puckered ready for a kiss...

Sanzo fired a shot a Gojyo as he just barely managed to avoid, "Shut it! Damn dirty Cockroach!"

"RAY-RAY WOULD NEVER DO THAT!" Goku yelled at him horrified by what he just heard as he covered his ears.

Hakkai covered his mouth to hold down a snicker, "Now we know what Gojyo fantasies about but I agree with Goku, I can't see our Ray doing something like that."

Sanzo nodded his head while Goku's eyes lighted up, "Maybe she's out shopping for me?"

"Excuse me, I need five pounds of meat buns please." Rayla asked as she stood infront of a shop. She smiled to herself, "Goku will love this, oh can I have three of those, ten of those and a whole bushel of that."

Once she was done her arms were filled bags of food, "I can't wait Goku is going to love these, I'll make him his own dinner. All of his favorites!" She exclaimed cheerfully as she had a small skip in her step. "Your total is three thousand yen lady."

"Anything for my Goku! Just wait for me Goku, I'm coming!" She called out loud as she sprinted back...

*Sweat drop*

This time it was Sanzo's turn to snicker, "Since when had Rayla ever been cheerful?" He asked.

"But she would do it!" Goku said with a small smile.

*Sweat drops*, "Yes..." The three said together.

"Come to think of it, I rarely see her smile. She always seems so serious and focused, Almost sad at times." Hakkai mentioned pondering, "She does tend to think of us before herself."

Gojyo took a haul of his smoke, "True enough. I've caught her a few times doing rounds around while were asleep."

"Maybe she ran into a group of assassins..." Hakkai thought to himself.

Rayla stood proudly at the edge of town with both of her blades drawn, the setting sun behind her made her stand out. A large group of strong demons stood before her wanting to get into the town. "Move women, We have come for the Sanzo party." One told her holding a large axe.

Her beautiful violet eyes narrowed, "I will not allow any of your filthy hands to touch them, If you can't get past me then you don't stand a chance against them, Hakkai would destroy you with ease."

They demons laughed in her face as the first one to speak charged at her blade drawn, She side stepped him and brought her blade up with a quick swipe she destroyed him. Her eyes sparkled with envy, "If only I could be as strong and brave as Hakkai, I could never compare to his skill..."

"That's a little vain for you, don't ya think?" Sanzo muttered lighting another smoke then sun had already set as night began to fall.

Hakkai chuckled as he put his hand behind his head scratching, "I suppose we all have our own thoughts of Ray." His face became serious, "Come to think of it, I know very little about her."

"Now that you mention it, I don't either." Gojyo stated thinking to himself.

Goku was quiet mostly still worried about her, "I don't need to." He said boldly not looking at them, "I don't care what her past is or that she's really a demon with three different blood types or what ever! I JUST WANT MY RAY-RAY BACK!"

The door to the room opened and the three of them looked to see Sanzo at the door dressed and ready, "Well stop talking about it and let's get our stupid companion back." He said simply as they all got up to follow Sanzo to look for their Rayla.

Rayla glared at the bushes as the sun began to set began to rise in the night sky with a purple sky eliminating the ground and surrounding area. Her stance was in the defensive position, still in her demonic form; as several demons emerged from the bush.

They all chuckled as the leader smirked, "That's not the women but that dragon is a pet of Cho Hakkai!" One of the followers whispered to him.

"Then we skin the pet and take the wench as a prize." He instructed them.

Rayla growled before she called upon the wind to lift Hakuryuu into the air, "Fly Hakuryuu, Fly away from here!" She demanded of him, the little dragon tried to argue in his own way, "Please Hakuryuu, I value your life, my friend..." She said with her bangs covering her eyes, her tone was mono yet determined.

"Your not getting away from me that easily!" The leader stated as he launched himself into the air and charged right for Hakuryuu. Rayla reacted as she too went up, she spun to slam her leg into the demons gut knocking him to the ground with a loud bang!

She used her talents to push Hakuryuu further away, another demon attacked with a blade her own stopped it as she swung it back sending him sprawling. Two more went to do what the others failed as she tripped the first before thrusting her blade through his torso. The second was following Hakuryuu's path but she threw her second katana and hit him in the back of the head ending his life before he dissipated from sight.

A group surrounded her and she got ready for a fight but a pair of whips wrapped around both her arms as one demon came to assists and hold Ray still. The leader came over; his claymore in his hands, he charged only to get his sight blocked. Hakuryuu had come back to save her as he clawed the demons face. She chose that moment to take advantage of the distraction and she used her talents with the water to slice the whips and demon holding her still.

"Stop!" The leader called she rose her red eyes to find he now had Hakuryuu held down with a dagger to his throat. Her eyes widen and her demonic side disappeared instantly as her eyes turn their usual purple, her human features returned as well.

The demons eyed widened as her secret was exposed to the enemy, "It is her!"

"So she is a demon!"

"Rayla the Reaper..."

"I heard she's killed over 3000 demons!"

The group whispered among themselves then their leader yelled, "Enough! So she is the one that women is looking for. You just made our day that much better..."

"Release Hakuryuu and I will submit myself...to your demands." She promised her bangs once again covering her eyes. Forgive me Goku but I must save his life... and What women could be looking for me? Of what use am I?

This made him laugh, "You would submit to us for a flying lizard! Ahahahaha! That's rich!" The rest of them laughed along with him but she remained still, "I will." She swore and dropped her blade.

They eyed her for a while, she watched as his grip slightly released an she chose that moment summon one last and powerful gust of wind snagging Hakuryuu to safely and further than she had ever pushed before. If her aim was correct he would end up just out of town. She knew the consequence's would be severe now that she unarmed and outmatched.

"That was a quick and dirty trick but since your still unarmed I suppose we still win..." His smile was disgusted and lecherous. It made her stomach curl.

One stepped forward, "It's likely her friends will come for her. We can still make use of her as bait for the target."

"After we play..." He responded stepping towards her his dagger drawn... She closed her eyes and left her body consumed in her mind.

I chose a bad time to wander off alone but so long as Hakuryuu is safe... I suppose I can't ask for much more. Please forgive me Goku... Nataku.. I still remember the day saw that golden hair of Sanzo. He found me washed up on the shore of a beach outside Chang-An. I was broken, bloody and my clothes were destroyed. I don't understand why he helped me when all he did was bitch about it but he still never allowed any bad talk about me. No man was allowed near me for my own safety. I had been in this situation before... My mother died giving birth to my younger brother, Akito. I was only 5 then, My father taught me to fight in order to protect my brother for he was not his own son. Mother left us and fell in love a demon thus my brother, another half breed only far stronger.

*Her pants were sliced*

Father was murdered when I was 8 by a group of human he had saved after the found out he was a half breed. I cared for Akito up until the day I turned 16, My brother was still young and had yet to develop any powers. He had shaggy black hair like my own only his was also partly white underneath. He covered by growing his to hair out I was one of the few who knew, His eyes were black as charcoal but to her they sparkled with pure innocence. He said he had fallen in love at the age 11, If only I had known she was a demon, I could have stopped the child from telling her family about his half breed blood! I wish I could remember my parents name and faces but all I could think of was my little brother...

*Slash across her torso *

That's why I murdered the town, the village handed him over with no second thought, I never saw him again but found his kidnappers... I slaughtered every last one of them without remorse after the village was done... The goddess came to me and gave me this limiter. I was then allowed back all of my memories. How ever the process almost killed me, I was washed a shore and he found me... saved me... Sanzo...

*STAB*

"Where are we going to find her?" Goku asked as they had walked through the whole town and were now circling out side of it. They stopped just out side of a dense forest looking at it, Ray-Ray, why? Did I really make you leave? Goku thought to himself.

Sanzo was in a bad mood, Stupid women... She swore to follow us then she wonders off alone!

"I do hope she is alright, the moon has just risen and she nor Hakuryuu has returned." Hakkai said to himself but the others still listened.

Gojyo lite a smoke, "I'm sure she's fine, She is a stubborn women after"

"KKYYYUUUUUUU! KYU! KYU!"

"Hakuryuu!" Hakkai called out as the small silver dragon appeared rattled but unharmed, "Hakuryuu, your alright. Thank the Goddess!"

"Where's Ray?" Sanzo demanded bluntly to the dragon his face serious but it always seems to be. It was rare he ever called her anything other than her full name but it was also rare she wasn't by his or Goku's side.

Hakuryuu bit onto Hakkai's sash and tugged him forward, "He wants us to follow him."

The little dragon flew up and into the air as the boys followed quickly after him, "Damn I swear if anything has happened to her..." Goku started to threaten before Sanzo cut him off.

"Just shut up and run, God Damn It!"

They came to the small stream Rayla had been at earlier to find a large tree just at the far end of the small open clearing. On the strongest and only branch open was Rayla... She was hung by her wrists tied, bloody, her pants torn. She had several knife wounds but they had made before any of the serious harm could be caused. The group was also aware that her demonic powers were useless if she didn't have the strength to switch to her demonic form.

They couldn't believe their eyes, they grew angry, "All right boys time for the real fun..." The leader purred.

"Her friends will be coming soon, remember our goal!" His companion stated.

"Their here!"

"It's Sanzo party!" Other watchdogs called out in warning as they spotted the four men.

The leader looked over his shoulder utterly furious he didn't get what he wanted before they arrived, "You bastards interrupted me..." He started and slightly turned while bringing his blade to slice the right side of her halter top, "But once your all dead I'll play with your little girlfriend all I want."

BANG!

Rayla lifted her head to see a familiar revolver smoking then she saw the golden hair again, "S... San... Sanzo..."

"Your all dead!" He swore furious about the sight before his eyes; the little adviser dead and gone without hesitation, "Pathetic Rayla..." He scolded. The leader was fearful but quickly became over confident about numbers and still stood his ground.

Her head slumped once more, "You bastards are sick and for once I agree with the monk your so dead!" Gojyo agreed as he summoned Shakugetsujou.

Hakkai was enraged as well for his friend, "How dare you treat her like this and I think for once were all in agreement."

"I'm sorry, Goku..." Rayla whispered unable to lift her head but he still heard her.

He shook; his eyes now covered and not looking at her, His Nyoi-bo appeared in his right hand and was held tightly.

"I'm going to kill everyone of you for what you've done to her. I swear you will suffer for what you've done to my Ray-Ray" He growled out before he lifted his eyes, he had a few tears in the corner of his eyes.

The demon laughed and the idiot with the big mouth leading taunted him stating Goku was so scared he was crying but Goku only point his weapon at him, "I cry for her pain and my failure which you will now pay for, NYOI-BO EXTEND!"

His weapon through and killed three of the demons not fast enough to escape his wrath, Gojyo threw his weapon with all his anger put into it killed another four that never say him coming. Three more charged Hakkai weapons drawn, Hakkai used a near by tree to kick off of and angle so he could charge a chi ball and land in the branch Rayla was hung from. He blasted them away before jumped down quietly and untied Rayla, he began healing her wounds.

Sanzo covered for Hakkai only a few feet away killing each demon stupid enough to try and attack to earn a bullet, "Stupid monk we got a plan for your little toy!" The leader taunted as he stepped into Sanzo's view. There were no jokes in this battle, their pure intend was to kill the enemy without remorse for their crime upon someone they would never openly admit they care for yet never abandoned her.

Sanzo ground his teeth and took aim, his hand was struck by the whips Rayla had suffered from earlier. His gun was knocked from his hand before both were wrapped with leather, Gojyo and Goku were further away and unable to stop the charge. Sanzo began to chant the use of the scripture but before he could finish, A blade was swung diagonally across the path of the leader. He slowed to a walk before he began to fall to his knee's, "You... Bitch..." He croaked before he was dust, Sanzo shifted his head to find Rayla's blade stuck into the trunk of another tree. He looked at her to catch her hand fall loosely to the ground...

The sun had just peaked over the horizon and into into the window of the inn they had reserved, Rayla was lying on her back gently bandaged and covered with the blankets hair hair was loosely around her shoulders and behind her back as she slept. Goku had his head on the bed also asleep as he sat in a chair by her bed all night. Sanzo had come in half an hour earlier and was now sitting at the window with a paper.

She knew he was there, her wounds were closed and she was able to move but still bore the risk of re-opening them. She looked at Sanzo secretly and quickly, there was something about him that made her understand yet still arguing with everything he says or does. Why save me? Of what use am I to you?

He noticed the feeling of being watched and meet violet to violet, She tried to keep the pink from her face but the way the rising sun lite up his hair and toned body, he truly remind her of a god, Konzon... Her mind whispered to her. A memory of a man she once cared for deeply.

"I'm sorry..." She began but Sanzo snapped her, "Sorry? Sorry for what getting your ass kicked or being stupid enough to get caught alone and unarmed?"

She blinked at him surprised, "I felt an unrest and I was concerned about the control I bear over the limiter was slipping. I just went to test, Hakuryuu had agreed to assist me earlier and with all the things on my mind I was in a rather bad mood."

"I told you she wouldn't run away from you Goku." Hakkai said in a slight sing song voice after letting himself in with Gojyo on his trail. Ray turned her eyes from Sanzo to meet with golden yellow, "Goku..."

His eyes teared up before he launched himself at her arms wide, "I'm so sorry Ray-Ray, I promise I won't be so demanding and I won't ask you to do everything for me and I swear I will help you, I'm sorry!"

She pushed herself back up before wrapping an arm around him, "Goku This was not your fault. I made a foolish mistake not keeping Hakuryuu from being captured better."

"You always find someway to become the damsel in distress." Gojyo cracked but he to was relieved to see her unharmed.

Hakkai looked her beginning to understand better, "So they caught Hakuryuu and you gave yourself up?"

"Sort of, they had a knife to his throat cause he came back to help me and I needed it, I gave up my blades to sneak the chance to get him away leaving me vulnerable." She explained clearly ashamed of how weak she was.

Hakkai's green eyes soften greatly as he pet his friend, "Like I said earlier you two make rather good friends. Thank you Ray, I'm glad your safe as well."

"Still stupid but you always have been stubborn so it's useless to even complain about it." Sanzo said annoyed.

She turned her eyes back to him, "I'm not sure if it's sad that I know that's your best way of showing concern and praise."

He glared at her but became surprised as she began to giggle making them huddle together besides Sanzo who was stunned, "I can't believe... you all... thought I was... leaving?' She managed between giggles.

"Damn it Sanzo broke her this time!" Gojyo pointed out.

She calmed down before explaining, "I thought there was no point of me being here for this mission but now I know I can make you agree on one thing but in the end I suppose I want to be here no matter what, That's what I choose."

WHACK!

"Damn it you crabby monk, what was that for?" Rayla demanded rubbing the sore spot on her head.

Rayla gotten the brunt of the 'old man fan' while Sanzo glared, "Do you have any idea the crap you put us through waiting for your stupid ass? Not to mention the whining I had to deal with from those three morons!" He growled as he pulled a smoke and lite it.

"Ever consider slowing down chain smoker? That's a lot of ashtrays around you..." Rayla started before she snickered as Sanzo glared.

His glare disappeared as he looked over her body, her cheeks turned red, "W...What are you looking at?" She stuttered.

"Did they?" He asked and she shook her head 'no'. He sighed in relief, "It's about time we all left then..."

The four of them continued to argue among themselves as Rayla just watched them fondly, She could never leave them. No matter how much trouble or stress they brought to her life they also brought the best memories that are in her mind.

In the end, I have a new home. It's not perfect but I could never ask for more, they were there and they were worried for me. I may not be the strongest but I swear to you all, I will stand by your sides till the very end.