-Understanding-

"Lady Ay, what do you think of this one?"

Aya looks down at Rin who held a large fish in her hands, it wiggled vigorously but Rin held it firm, Aya nods saying: that's pretty big Rin…are you used to doing this, Rin nods placing the fish in a brown bag that'd they'd found not to far from their fishing spot. Aya catches one saying: their moving pretty slow today, she tosses it into the bag behind her.

"Wouldn't it be funny to watch Jaken try to do this," Aya asks smiling at Rin who laughs nodding, Rin turns to the bag counting.

" 5…hm is that enough?"

Aya turns to her saying: well Sesshomaru is a fussy eater so he won't eat much…I don't really like fish that much so I'll be eating just to get by…so that's two…Jaken is small so one should suffice…you are sm-.

Rin cocks her head and Aya laughs saying: you're a growing girl so you could probably eat two…and Ah-un doesn't eat meat so let's get one more. Rin nods running back over to the shallow stream.

We're headed to the Musashi Province…to see this…Kaede…I've heard that name before but I just can't remember where. Rin seems to really like this woman.

Rin eyes Aya from the corner of her before saying: you know Lady Ay…if you didn't look that way I wouldn't think that you were a demon, Aya nods saying: and why not, Rin shrugs saying: you're so normal…most of the time ha…you have moments when you act like Lord Sesshomaru. Aya looks at her saying: but that was mostly when we'd just met but we're friends now so, Rin nods looking back at the water, she gasps suddenly belly flopping into the water, Aya frowns saying: Rin.

Rin comes up saying: got him, she holds up another fish smiling proudly, Aya gently pats her head saying: good girl Rin, Rin throws the fish into the bag and Aya lifts it.

Sesshomaru would starve if not for Rin and I.

Want some of this?

No

Want some of that?

No

Aya sighs shaking her head, it was like dealing with a petulant child sometimes but he got away with it.

Because of his status, looks and power.

"Took you long enough…what were you doing woman!"

Aya glares at Jaken about to speak but Sesshomaru side eyes him sending Jaken into fear, Jaken bows his head saying: my apologies, Aya drops down before Sesshomaru saying: aw that's right defend my honor, Sesshomaru glares at her saying: he's been going on about this since you've been gone…it's not about you it's about my ears. Aya nods closing her eyes.

"Sure-sure."

She places the bag before him saying: we got six…well I got two and Rin four she's really good at that, Rin immediately begins trying to start a fire but Aya takes the sticks from her saying: don't do that, she begins starting the fire while Rin runs over to Sesshomaru, he watches her dance around in a circle shaking the golden bangle on her wrist.

"Where did you get that," he asks frowning, Aya looks up when Rin smiles saying: Lady Ay, Sesshomaru looks at Aya now. She nods saying: the day we met…I was trying to get her off my tail; Rin rubs the back of her head laughing. Sesshomaru closes his eyes now leaning against the tree he sat against, Aya cheers when the fire sparks in the place she'd been working at, she turns to Rin saying: now that's how it's done. Rin runs over saying: now to cook the fish, Aya shakes her head saying: I'll take mine raw. Rin smiles saying: Kaede eats hers like that as well. Aya sits a little away from Sesshomaru saying: does she.

"Yes she said it's better for your body…it's yucky to me but she adds things to eat to make it taste good to her I guess," Rin says getting stick and putting it through her fish. Aya flicks the scales off her own saying: you said that she's a Miko, Sesshomaru nods. Aya places her fish aside saying: so Sesshomaru do you want one, he shakes his head saying: no, Aya frowns saying: really…hm. She had caught the scent of another animal, she leans over placing her hand on his chest saying: I know you want something…it's not me right now…but I could get you something good. Sesshomaru looks at her saying: and what is that, she stands saying: I'll be right back stay there ok…, she stretches her arms above her head walking through the trees, she runs as fast as she could to the source of the smell once there she grins when she sees a pig demon. It turns to her with it's back hunched and teeth bared.

"Ah a Dog Demon whore I shall have fun using your bones as toothpicks!"

Aya raises a brow, that's how it was in the world of Demon's…get or be gotten…most Demon's however liked to eat humans which is why the tribes of Demon Slayers tried so hard to keep Demon's at bay, but Aya liked more of a thrill.

Human's taste like what they eat which is…not too good. But other demon's eat stuff similar to myself so it's a win for me.

Aya smirks putting her hand to her Katana. The pig demon rushes at her furiously, it was very rare that a Dog Demon ended up as someone else's meal…very-very rare….

Sesshomaru now stood against the tree his eyes on the path that Aya had just taken, Rin bites into her fish saying: Lord Sesshomaru why don't you go and find her…it'll show her that you really care; Sesshomaru ignores her still watching the path. He frowns when the smell of blood fills the clearing and a rustling begins in the trees. Sesshomaru puts his hand to his sword but soon the smell is overpowered by a familiar one, Aya carried a pig demon on her back it's blood no longer ran, Aya drops him saying: the bastard put up a fight, she fingers a scratch on her cheek saying: he kicked me. Rin gasps saying: that's why you eat Aya, Aya folds her arms smiling at Rin who turns away saying: yucky. Sesshomaru walks over to Aya saying: you shouldn't have done that, she pokes the demon with her foot saying: I'm hungry, Sesshomaru looks down her with firm eyes, she sighs saying: oh Sesshomaru. She lifts the demon saying: fine I'll eat him alone, Rin screams saying: oh no, Aya laughs carrying the demon through the trees again this time she could feel Sesshomaru behind her. She turns to him saying: oh now you want some, he looks away saying: you should have told me what you were going to do, she frowns saying: usually you don't care unless it has something to do with Rin. He goes to speak but she cuts him off saying: that was then and this is now…right? Sesshomaru glares at her, she sighs saying: next time tell you I'm going to get something to eat…got it, he growls saying: next time tell me you're going to get yourself into potential danger, she smirks saying: if didn't know any better I'd think you cared about me. Sesshomaru shakes his head saying: Rin, Aya nods saying: of course…now are you going jump in or should I just take him on my own. Sesshomaru sits down and she smiles saying: ok.

"You barely ate," Sesshomaru mutters to Aya who held her stomach regretfully, she eyes him in slight annoyance.

Couldn't with you watching me like that…had to seem dainty and ladylike.

"I don't like being full when I have to do vigorous work," she says eyeing him in a flirtatious manner, Sesshomaru looks at her saying: work, she nods saying: trust me Sesshomaru I'm no plank in bed…I move around, Sesshomaru looks ahead saying: don't bite off more than you can chew. Aya smiles shaking her head, once they make it back to the group Sesshomaru had gone silent again.

He's so…annoying….

Rin stands saying: are we going now, Aya nods saying: we should be. Sesshomaru grabs Ah-un's reigns pulling him along and the group follows.

"Yay we're here!"

Rin runs into Kaede's Village with happiness in her every step, seemingly at once Aya and Sesshomaru catch the same scent.

"Him!"

"Inu's here!"

Sesshomaru looks down at Aya saying: you know Inuyasha, Aya nods saying: yes.

The most handsome little half breed I'd ever seen, too bad he was too tied up in his human girls. Still didn't stop me from flirting and it won't.

Aya begins fixing her hair and clothes while laughing to herself, Sesshomaru glares down at her saying: how do you know him. Aya shrugs saying: we traveled together for a while…Sesshomaru do you have any money with you I need new clothes.

I smell of you.

"No," he says rather firmly, she looks up at him saying: oh I can't wait to see him.

He's the only half breed I've met that could…could explore with me ha…but…his friends…. Inuyasha don't you care about Kagome…Inuyasha…what are you doing?

He was so good at trying to keep me away but I could see it in his eyes.

"What was your relationship with him," Sesshomaru asks turning to her, she shrugs saying: friends…but we were kind of…flirtacious, Sesshomaru glares at her and she holds up her hands saying: don't get so worked up…we never had sex…we never kissed it was…just good old fun. He sneers saying: it's not about that…I can't believe your interest in humans and half breeds, Aya smiles saying: their so…cute.

"Don't be jealous Sesshomaru…let me tell you a secret," she gets to her toes to whispering into his ear.

"I'm yours whenever you want me," she whispers playfully, he pushes her away saying: you and your games, Aya laughs turning away.

I think I'm serious.

Rin comes running back over to the group holding an older woman's hand, Aya's nose twitches.

Ugh too much sage.

"Ah Lord Sesshomaru…I was just speaking with your brother about you…you do know Kagome's pregnant with your niece or nephew," Aya frowns, Sesshomaru shakes his head saying: I do not care.

"Wait…your brother is…Inuyasha," Aya asks frowning, Sesshomaru sneers saying: unfortunately. Aya sighs, she couldn't believe it, Inuyasha had actually settled for…Kagome.

"What brought you here…are you here to bring Rin back?"

Sesshomaru shakes his head saying: we're here to ask you about the altar that Hiro Yuta was protecting, Kaede frowns saying: no one should go there, Sesshomaru frowns saying: and why not. Kaede sighs saying: come back to my house and I shall tell you the story.

"OK!"

"We don't have time for that."

Aya and Sesshomaru now glare at each other, Aya sighs saying: fine.

"Well the Shadow Demon Uryen is sealed there…anyone who goes there will be sickened by his evil energy…only the strong can withstand it."

Aya frowns.

Well father and Kize went there together once….

"Could it drive someone to kill?"

Kaede shakes her head saying: it taints their bodies and kills them…humans can't even step near that place, Aya frowns saying: Uryen was placed into the altar, Kaede shakes her head saying: a stone ornament, Aya cocks her head saying: what…when I went there…there was nothing but an altar there. Kaede gasps saying: that cannot be, Aya nods saying: it is true…I was there not too long ago and there was nothing there but the altar, Kaede's face pales.

"That stone can be deadly to whoever carries it," she says gravely, Aya gasps.

So who has it, because Kize has lived all this time with no issues.

"It can destroy whole towns with it's evil presence…you must find it!"

Aya nods saying: I agree I just wish I knew where to find it, Kaede frowns saying: do you know of anyone who could have taken it.

One but…he's completely ok.

"My brother."

"Then you must find him…see if he has it…better safe than sorry."

Aya sighs looking at Rin who watched the group with worried eyes.

So what is this now, a race to save him or…well I don't what it is anymore. That stone can't be handled by someone like Kize, he's a half breed.

"Brother!"

Aya looks around to Kaede to see a bloated Kagome walking toward the group, Sesshomaru sighs looking aside, Kagome smiles saying: hey there Rin…Sesshomaru have you come to bring her back, Kaede shakes her head saying: it would seem Sesshomaru has found himself in another journey. Kagome smiles at him but her smile falls when she looks at Aya, Aya smiles saying: Kagome it's been a long time.

Not long enough.

She's a big part of why I couldn't travel with them; the jealousy was there from the start. I had to go before I did something that I regretted.

Kagome nods saying: yea it has…um…what have you been up to, Aya sighs saying: nothing much same thing I was doing when I was with you guys... Kagome nods saying: well as you can see I'm expecting, Aya smiles saying: yes you've blown up. An awkward silence moves through the group, Kagome coughs lightly.

"Yea well that's what happens when you find love and settle down, Inuyasha still thinks I'm attractive."

"I'm sure he does, where is he anyway?"

"Um…not here."

"Kagome!?"

Everyone turns to see Inuyasha storming out of a faraway hut, Kagome sighs saying: oh no. Inuyasha glares at her saying: you could go into labor at anytime and you're standing out here in the cold…what is wrong with you, Aya smiles saying: she was talking to us. Inuyasha looks at Aya and his face drains of color, he rubs the back of his head saying: Ay…. Kagome elbows him and he sighs saying: well she should have…I don't know…told me. Sesshomaru gently tugs at the side of Aya's kimono before turning to leave, Inuyasha folds his arms saying: what are you doing with him, Aya goes to answer but Sesshomaru grabs her arm saying: Aya…let's go.

"Pfft, she can talk if she wants to," Inuyasha growls. Jaken moves toward Inuyasha saying: you dirty mangy half breed how dare you speak to Lord Sesshomaru that way, Rin drops Kaede's hand moving between the groups.

"Don't fight!"

Sesshomaru turns to Inuyasha but Aya moves in front of him saying: come on we're leaving alright. Inuyasha shakes his head saying: he thinks he can control everybody, Aya glances back at him saying: Inuyasha please, Inuyasha folds his arms saying: heh…none of my business anyway. He turns to leave but not before grabbing Kagome's hand and pulling her away from the group. Aya looks up at Sesshomaru who still glared at Inuyasha.

"What is wrong with you," she says glaring up at him. Sesshomaru turns walking away from the town, Aya folds her arms shaking her head.

Why can't he just…be normal?

Aya lifts Rin into her arms saying: it was nice meeting you Kaede, she places her on Ah-un's back before saying: find Kize and if doesn't have it…we search…ok…, Kaede nods saying: I hope you are able to find it, Aya nods grabbing Ah-un's reigns before pulling him along.

"Aya!"

Aya looks back and Kaede had moved closer.

"Your father had a special way of controlling the Demon…if you found out what that was you could put an end to this now."

Aya frowns.

A way to control it, well he's gone now so whatever he did may be useless now.

Aya nods to her before pulling Ah-un along, Jaken runs past her calling to Sesshomaru. He hadn't gone far Aya could smell him close, she cocks her head, it was stronger than ever and little…nicer.

Damnit.

They stop in the middle of a clearing; she could smell him even heavier here.

"Rin may-."

Aya screams when she's pushed into a tree, she growls saying: ow that hurt, Sesshomaru glares at her before looking back at Rin saying: go back to Kaede for now, Rin whimpers saying: Lord Sesshomaru.

"Rin."

She gasps when Ah-un begins running toward Kaede's village, Jaken nods his head saying: it's about time, Sesshomaru sneers at him; Jaken turns on his heel before running to catch up with Rin and Ah-un.

"What is wrong with you?"

Sesshomaru growls moving closer to her, he pushes her even more into the tree saying: why don't you ever listen, Aya pretends to think it over before saying: because I may be a Dog demon but your dog I am not. Sesshomaru grabs her wrists pushing them above her head, she frowns saying: it's our first meeting all over again I thought we were past this. Sesshomaru leans forward bringing his face to the crook of her neck, Aya squirms against him saying: stop it, he pulls away abruptly saying: you are. She leans over bringing her hands to her knees.

"Oh I was so afraid," she mutters mockingly, Sesshomaru glares at her saying: don't. Aya stands straight saying: you could have just asked you didn't have to attack me that way, she turns away saying: it's true…pretty soon I'll be going into heat but it doesn't matter, she folds her arms.

"I'm not too hard to deal with…a little snappy…a little skittish but other than that. I'm the same old Aya," she says shaking her head.

"You left out the part where you'll be drawing male demons to you and you'll be searching them out yourself."

Aya blushes saying: I don't do that…I've lived this long and have had this…happen…for almost 600 years…not a big deal really, Sesshomaru frowns.

"Not a big deal…we cannot be traveling with you in that condition."

She puts her hands on her hips saying: and why not you do it, he glares at her saying: it's different…I have self control-, she snorts saying: why didn't I see that. He ignores her continuing.

"I was the hunter not the hunted, you were able to be around me without losing control. With you being in that state you are open for any demon that chooses to have you."

Everything is such a big deal with this man.

"So what do you propose we do oh great one," she mutters stepping over to him, he glares at her saying: we go back to the Western Lands. She rolls her eyes saying: go back there so that you can have me all to yourself, she turns away saying: nope no thank you I'd rather chance it with outsiders. Sesshomaru grabs her arm turning her to him, he growls saying: you won't. Aya frowns saying: you act as though…that's something you should be able to control if I wanted to give myself to someone right now there's nothing you could do about it.

"Are you sure about that?"

She glares at him saying: and what would you do, he scoffs saying: kill him and then cripple you. Aya puts her hands on her hips saying: you know Sesshomaru…you're behaving like a child right now. Sesshomaru turns his head glaring at the ground next to him, Aya smiles saying: listen during my heat period I'm a good girl…nothing shall penetrate me, Sesshomaru looks at her with slight shock in his eyes, she sniggers and he frowns. Aya puts her hand on her hip saying: now that you've gotten that out of your system can we go and get Rin and the other's, she shrugs saying: you made such a big deal of it.

Sesshomaru turns walking toward the town again but he pauses saying: you go.

"Ugh Sesshomaru you have to face it one day, you know that fact that you have a half breed for a brother."

She puts her hand to her chest.

"My brother is a mangy half breed and I treated him the same."

Sesshomaru closes his eyes saying: go, she steps in front of him putting her hands on her hips and leaning toward him.

"Not without a kiss," she says winking at him. Sesshomaru sneers turning away, Aya folds her arms saying: fine…you probably don't like lady kisses anyway. She turns running before he could chastise her.

Aya walks slowly through the forest, there was no real rush. Rin and the other's were safe in Kaede's village, Aya hops over a branch saying: I've been a lot happier lately.

"It's strange really," she mutters scratching her cheek.

Happy…it's been a long time since I was genuinely happy.

Yeah I'm a bit broken…but I think I've found where I want to be.

With Rin, Jaken, Ah-un and even Sesshomaru.

"Where are you going little one?"

Aya stops short, she brings her hand to the hilt of Katana.

Only one person called me that.

She turns to see Kize standing before her, his entire appearance had changed. His was golden locks dirtied and turning brown, his blue eyes the color of blood and his once golden skin now white. He grins tilting his head to an extreme angle, Aya takes a step back saying: Kize, he smiles saying: missed me.

"No!"

Aya shakes her head saying: tired of running.

"Not yet really."

Aya grimaces looking down.

Just do it!

He walks close to her and she shudders when he grabs her wrist whispering to her.

"Don't little Ay, we both know you don't want to. You never were the violent type…don't dirty the pale snow that is Aya Yuta…Ay you've grown quite a bit…and so…so beautiful." He strokes her face with a gnarled hand while his other hand gently rubbing her wrist.

Kize, why can't I….

"I have a surprise for you Ay."

Aya looks up at him and his grins showing jagged teeth, she looks away and he grabs her hands saying: just come with me Ay…it's really special…it might make you hate me a little less, her gaze snaps up to him.

"Make me hate you a little less!"

She growls saying: hate you a little less…how could after what you did…Kize…why, he hugs her saying: please don't, she pushes him away saying: you…get away from me. Aya backs into a tree saying: I'll never forgive you Kize, Kize sighs saying: but Ay…I've brought the sweetest gift of all.

"Aya."

Aya looks around Kize to see Sesshomaru standing there with his sword drawn, he jerks his head to the left saying: go, she shakes her head saying: this isn't your fight. Kize grins manically.

"Do you care for my little Ay? Don't be fooled Sesshomaru she's a mini heartbreaker. Been through plenty of your kind and no remorse came from her."

Aya glares at Kize saying: shut up, Kize looks at her saying: why…when our parents lost their lives…little Ay was out playing chambermaid with another Demon to the East, Aya clenches her fists saying: Kize…. He smirks saying: you are nothing more than a Dog who caught the scent of a bitch in heat, he turns to Aya saying: tell him.

What is there to tell?

"So I suggest you leave Sesshomaru…she's not for you…or anyone…but me. My sister my business."

Sesshomaru growls at Aya saying: go now, she shakes her head saying: no, Kize closes his head saying: so neither of you will listen…fine then. He raises his arms and suddenly Sesshomaru drops to his knees, Aya runs past Kize who tries to yank her back, she grabs Sesshomaru's shoulders saying: w-what did he do. Sesshomaru groans and Kize laughs saying: I nearly snatched his life away…too weak to do it now, Aya buries her face into Sesshomaru's shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she whispers close to his ear, she leans over kissing him on the cheek.

"Thanks for the help but…this isn't your place…it's not your fight."

Sesshomaru growls when she stands drawing her Katana, Kize cocks his head again this time looking like an animated rag doll.

"Kize…where is the stone of Uryen."

Kize grins saying: somewhere baby sister, Aya cracks her knuckles.

This is it.

"Don't you want your surprise?"

Just as he says this Sesshomaru collapses behind her, Kize looks back saying: Mimi come.

Aya's eyes widen when a small girl appears next to Kize, her long curly black hair fell down her back and her red eyes searched Aya's body as she smiles up at her, Aya drops her Katana saying: Mio. Mio smiles at her clasping her hands together, Aya lets out the tears she'd been holding when she holds her arms out to the girl. Mio goes to move but Kize places his arm in front of her saying: Aya must come here, Mio now holds her arms out for Aya. Aya crawls toward her on her knees and Mio falls into her arms.

Mio…I…I….

She strokes her hair saying: Mio…I…love you so much, Mio nods saying: I love you too Ay, Aya now bawls into the little girls' body.

"Ay come with us…we're your family."

Aya sniffles looking into the burning red eyes of Mio, Mio wipes her tears away saying: I missed you Ay, Aya nods saying: I missed you too Mio. Mio stands grabbing Aya's hands, so many questions still ran through her head, she'd seen the gaping hole in Mio's chest, she saw the blood around her blood, held her dead body.

Mio helps Aya stand and she smiles saying: I have my sister back…aren't you happy Ay, Aya nods saying: I am. Kize reaches for his sisters and Aya looks down at Mio saying: b-but how, Mio smiles saying: Kize brought me back, Kize frowns saying: we will speak of this later. Aya nods allowing Mio to drag her toward Kize.

"Lady Ay!"

Aya turns to see Rin next to Sesshomaru with Jaken and Ah-un, Aya feels a dead weight fall into her stomach.

But what about Rin…she needs me as well.

Aya holds her hand out for Rin but Rin's tears send a horrible feeling into the pit of her stomach, Rin shook Sesshomaru saying: Lady Ay what happened.

"Help me Lady Ay…please help me!"

Rin…has no one besides Sesshomaru and myself…I have to help her…at least this last time.

Aya drops Mio's hands running over to Sesshomaru, who still had not stirred.

"Tsk-tsk-tsk Ay…I see you have made your choice," Kize mutters pulling Mio into him, Aya stands saying: no…no what are you doing, he laughs before slowly disappearing into thin air, Aya drops to her knees again.

"No not again."

Aya pulls her knees to her chest now crying into her arms, Rin pauses saying: Lady Ay. She crawls over to her saying: Lady Ay why…why do you cry, Aya whimpers when she feels Sesshomaru move next to her. Rin moves away from Aya saying: Lord Sesshomaru you're awake, he grunts sitting up. He's glares at Aya saying: where did he go, she shakes her head saying: I-I d-don't…k-k-k-know. Sesshomaru grabs Aya's arms saying: why are you crying, she crumbles into his arms saying: he has Mio, Sesshomaru frowns bringing his arm around her, Rin gasps saying: your sister…that was her!

Aya cries even more when Ah-un leans down to comfort her, Aya wraps her arms around Sesshomaru.

"I-I'm…so s-s-s-sorry," he pushes her gently away gripping her chin in his fingers, she begins taking sharp intakes of breath as she tries to calm herself.

"Come we go back to the Western Lands," he barely gets the words out before Aya falls on him saying: we have to find Mio…please, he nods saying: we will. She smiles through her tears.

"You'll help me?"

He nods and she grabs his face kissing him on the lips, Rin giggles looking at Jaken who turns away saying: stupid child, Aya breaks the kiss saying: shut up Jaken, he glares at her saying: don't you dare speak to me that way-, he is silenced by Sesshomaru's fist, Aya smiles kissing him again. Rin claps her hands saying: yay I knew it, Aya moves away from Sesshomaru wiping her lips, he gave her a strange sort of look she didn't know what to make of it but Aya stands.

Gotta downplay this.

"Well he was begging for it," she says turning away and folding her arms, Sesshomaru stands and she blushes when he turns her body to his, she closes one eye saying: what want another. He looks her over before gently pushing her away and walking.

"Ah-un, Rin…come."

Aya folds her arms.

What do I have to do, strip naked and smear his name on my stomach with blood or something.

I don't even know why I want his acceptance so badly, but…kissing him is fun.

She hums lightly walking silently behind him.

Next Chapter: The Race For the Girl