She grinned widely. She'd been itching for a fight and this demon was asking for it. She flexed her claws before charging at the bear demon. Not even bothering to use her twin Sais, she wanted to feel the blood of this demon all over her hands as she ripped him apart.

"Acid Claws!" She cried out as she went through the large demon.

Smirking as it screamed in pain. Surprising enough, the demon still wanted to fight. It turned and tried to swipe its paw at her. Rolling to the side, she jumped and sliced its head off. Landing a few feet from the dead corpse, she placed her hands on her hips as she watched it fall to the ground spurting blood.

"Hn, that was easy..." She sighed, turning from the body she starting walking north. Hoping to find a nearby river to wash off the stench of the bear demon's blood. The further she walked, the more annoyed she became of the smell.

"Maybe I should've used Meian (1)" Shrugging carelessly she caught the scent of a nearby river. Dashing off she reached the water in no time. Kneeling she rubbed her hands together, trying vigorously to get the blood from under her claws.

"Maria!"

Her dark red doggy ears twitched, stopping her from her actions. Maria didn't bother to turn around knowing who would dare call her name out in the open like that. An older woman came from the bushes shortly after her name was called. The older woman goes by the name of Kira, the same woman who was kind enough to accept her as a half demon and to take her in as her own. Although Maria does not like being around humans. But this woman was different; she wasn't like the other villagers. Seeing as she lived on the outskirts of a nearby village. Maria often stayed with her whenever she was close by.

The woman was married to a fellow blacksmith but Maria didn't know his name nor if he was alive or not. But according to Kira, her husband vanished about a year ago and hasn't heard from him since. Maria only knew that he rode a three-eyed cow and carried a large hammer.

"Yes Kira." Maria respected the old woman, especially since she's the one who forged Meian for her. Maria was grateful for that, knowing she had to keep her demon side under control somehow.

As she removed all the blood off. She stood up, noticing the woman didn't answer her yet. She turned around shaking her hands of the leftover water. Her amber eyes stared at the dark haired woman.

"Come with me, there's a few people I want you to meet." With a smile, the woman turned and walked back to her hut. Raising an eyebrow, Maria was a taken back by her behavior. Kira never left her hanging in such manner. Deciding to see what was going on, she followed closely behind her. Shoving her hands into the sleeves of her haori she frowned.

"Who do you want me to meet?" She asked curiously as her hut came into view. The woman ignored her question. Growling lightly as she picked up a scent of a human and an unknown scent.

"This better not be some fucking joke Kira!" Maria yelled out, her eyes intensified as it bore into the back of Kira's head.

Without warning, Kira turned and thumped Maria on her head with the cane she often carried around although she didn't need it. Growling louder she crossed her arms across her chest.

"What the fuck was that for?"

"You're being un-lady like Maria. Watch your mouth." The old woman stated calmly and walked into her hut.

"Stupid old woman." Maria frowned and followed her into the hut. Just as she was about to yell once more, she stopped herself. Seeing another half demon who looked familiar, and a human who was oddly dressed, she gasped.