So, this is it. The new story I've told you about. I'm pretty sure that most of you are bummed, but I'm really hoping that you will find my story at least good enough for you.

I'll be adding a song to somehow portray the emotion. The song is Pink's Just Give Me a Reason feat. Nate Ruess.

Disclaimer: I do not own both the song and the series. They are owned by their respective artists.

Burning Resolve

Chapter 1 – Truth

"Total honesty is the law of the land- no secrets."

That oath is the new way of life in the Fire Kingdom ever since a new ruler emerged from the shadows. That ruler is the Flame Queen, the former princess of the Fire Kingdom. She, along with Cinnamon Bun, has staged a coup against her father. Successfully, she overthrew her father in the battle for the throne. Being the new monarch, her first order of business was to lock up his father in the very lantern where she was imprisoned. This is in order for the previous Flame King to feel what it's like to be her, as punishment. Her next order of business was to reward Cinnamon Bun for assisting her during the coup. What could ever be more deserving for him than a position in the throne and a new fire pup, something that he always wanted? She thought that governing the kingdom would be an easy task. Lo and behold, many challenges await her, such as counseling for her people, creating new laws, establishing treaties with other kingdoms, and many more. She was close to giving up the throne. Fortunately, there is someone who she can rely on.

Currently, she's expecting a status report on the ongoing threat about some kind of underground operation planning to dethrone her. After waiting for quite some time, she finally got it. The huge door opened and revealed a humanoid figure with his Flame Shield on.

"All right, then. What happened?" Flame Queen inquired.

"Milady, the threat has been ceased. They will be staying behind bars. I made sure of that." The human reported.

"Thanks, Finn. I knew I could count on you." Flame Queen has assigned Finn as her personal bodyguard since that event transpired. She said he could hang out with her as long as he would be honest with her. At first, they seemed to be enjoying each other's company, but the fiery monarch is so busy she doesn't have time for him. Seeing that he could find a way to hang out with her and adventure at the same time, he took the opportunity to assist her in any way he can. Since then, he has been dutifully completing his assigned tasks. As time passed, she had noticed that his expression is hiding something. Back then, she decided to let it go for a while. Now, she's worried with what he has been through. Deciding to face him personally, she asked, "Finn, would you come with me to my private quarters. I feel the need that we should talk."

"Yes, milady." Finn replied and followed her to her room. The room has everything a noble person would have- a king-sized bed with red-orange drapes, paintings that depicted authority and royalty, and huge red royal carpet. But that was nothing compared to what he saw. At one corner of the room was some kind of table that made him have a trip to memory lane. There were pictures of them hanging out together. The centerpiece of that table was the rock that they kissed with when she almost destroyed a major portion of Ooo.

"Finn, I'm giving you special permission to address me as casually as you can be because I don't want you to be stressed out with all what you've been through." Flame Queen directed.

"Okay, FP. So, what do we need to talk about? Is there an oncoming danger that's threatening to destroy the Fire Kingdom?" Finn asked, knowing that he can handle any kind of situation.

"No, it's not that. It's where we are right now. Lately, I've been noticing some strange actions that you were doing these past few days. I don't know, but are you still..." She was cut off. She also noticed the change of expression on his face.

"...not over you? How many times are you going to do this to me, FP? I know that we are just friends." Finn stated, quite irritated by her attention.

"I know, but you've been acting as if we were still together." Flame Queen is getting really worried about this. "Please be honest with me. How are you feeling?" At this point, they both felt that she was the one begging him. He can't really fathom the suffering she is undergoing right now.

Finn, not able to contain it anymore, finally let it all out. "How am I feeling? Well, I'm furious! Not being with you makes me really sad because what I did to you. I could never forgive myself for breaking your heart. I thought that after some time, we would still be together. But seeing you ruling this kingdom, I kind of gave up on starting anew. After seeing you, I thought you had no interest in me anymore." He was doing his best to hold back the tears. "I'm sorry, Flame Queen, but I thought we would defy nature together for us, but it seems like you won't."

Flame Queen was hurt now because of what he felt. She never considered his feelings for her since she was busy leading her people. "Finn, I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to..."

"I need some time alone, my queen." Finn stated. Hearing the similar statement she gave him during that time in the melted Ice Kingdom made the tears in her eyes pour out.

Before leaving Flame Queen in her silent contemplation, he went to the small table, picked up the rock, and kissed it. "This is proof that I still love you, from the bottom of my heart. I would find a way to defy nature, always." He gently placed the rock on the table, and then left the palace afterwards.

She was all alone in her own room, crying with no one to support her. If only he was here...

As he was nearing the exit to the Fire Kingdom, he pondered on the very question that drove him to love her...

"Why can't I just like a girl?"

I made some minor tweaks on this chapter because I felt the need to do so. Anyway, what do you think of the new story?

Until then, have a good time! -PhantomHermit