Changing Hearts

"Jazz," Misha hissed, her fists turning into claws. When she saw the great sword pointed at her, she asked again, "Why?" Her claws were hesitant to attack, and her lips were trembling.

Jazz didn't waver. He raised his sword, the gray flames licking hungrily at the blade's edge. "Stand back, Kitsune!"

"That's what I'm doing anyway," Misha said, stepping back with a grin. "And thank you for telling me I'm a kitsune because I didn't know," she rambled.

The garden trembled as Jazz took firm strides forward. The surviving bamboo trees burned like matches, their green foliage curling to ashes as the gray fire engulfed them.

"Alright, you've turned my garden into ashes," Misha said, hastening her retreat. "I want to clarify why I'm not attacking you, nor am I saying anything," she stated, her teeth clenched. In that instant, she barely evaded the gray wave of flames unleashed by Jazz.