Aya is a young village girl from the mountainous region, renowned for her flute playing. Compassionate by nature, she forms an early bond with Taro. After Taro rescues her from the Red Oni, Akaoni, she is later captured by the Black Oni, Kurooni. This abduction compels Taro to ally with Akaoni and assault Kurooni's stronghold, freeing both Aya and a village terrorized by the oni pair. Later, during Taro's search for his mother, Aya discovers him nearly frozen by a yukionna. She revives him, demonstrating resourcefulness and dedication. Recovered, Taro locates the lake where his mother, transformed into a dragon, resides, with Aya's active assistance, directly enabling their pivotal reunion. Throughout these events, Aya consistently displays kindness and reliability, defined by her supportive role during Taro's moments of vulnerability and challenge. Her significance stems from her functional relationship to Taro's quest and her embodiment of supportive compassion within the story's folkloric framework.