Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Burning Fire. Enjoy the 900-word chapter. I don't own Avatar, Nick, Michael Dante DiMartino, and Bryan Konietzko do.

Izumi removed one of her boots from her foot as another of her servants helped do her hair. Kei cleared his throat and hummed before the princess turned to look at her.

"Would you like me to inform you of tomorrow's schedule?" Kei asked while slowly pacing.

Izumi cleared her throat and held up her hand which caused her servants to stop. Kei stood at attention before the future lady of the fire nation.

"I have already memorized them, Kei." Izumi said while looking around her room. "But I thank you for putting my best interests first… You can return your quarters if you wish." Izumi said which was rewarded with a shake of the head.

Kei walked over to her and took a knee so he could look at the seated princess. It was as much a gesture of respect as anything else. Both were around the same height anyway.

"I'm not just one of your guards, princess." Kei said and brushed off his armor. "I'm also one of your good friends if you recall… Nothing would make me happier than making sure some idiot doesn't come barreling in and hurting you." Kei said before standing up once more.

Izumi sighed and shook her head with a light smile gracing her lips. She allowed her servants to turn and leave as Kei crossed his arms.

Izumi rather liked Kei, while she was rather serious? Izumi still wished to have friends… And Kei was fine with answering it. She trusted the guard with her life.

"You know your dad would turn someone into bacon if they actually came here." Kei stated as he cracked his fingers. "Are you nervous about the coronation?" Kei asked while Izumi turned to look at the mirror.

"Yes, I am." Izumi said before Kei walked towards the door. "Wouldn't you be if you were going to be the leader of the fire nation?" Izumi questioned to which Kei rubbed at his armored chin.

"Are you scared of your father…" Kei said while walking back to Izumi's side. "Or your grandfather? The man who turned the Fire Nation into the single most hated nation on the planet? You know you can tell me something, right?" Kei asked before humming.

"That's why I'm asking you right now." Izumi said with a smile as Kei rolled his eyes.

"Very funny, princess." Kei said before closing his eyes. "If you're worried about being anything like your grandfather? Then don't. NOTHING will make you like him. The man's a buried monster who can't hurt anyone else?" Kei stated as Izumi hummed.

"I barely knew about him, only what my father and Great Uncle Iroh said about him." Izumi said which caused Kei to hum and nod.

"Yes, I wish your great uncle was here NOW." Kei said while thinking to himself. "I heard from my father how great he was. His wisdom would be helpful… But last I heard? He has business to attend to." Kei said and looked up at the ceiling.

"Do you think he'll return anytime soon?" Izumi asked as Kei shrugged.

"I doubt he'd miss the coronation of his great grandnephew." Kei said as he removed his helmet. "But I can't say for certain. You know I don't know everything about the royal family. Your father assigned me as part of your retinue… Not either of them." Kei said and brushed back his ashy black hair.

"Doesn't mean you can't say for certain, can you?" Izumi asked and got a smile in response.

"I do know you're going to be one of the best rulers the Fire Nation has." Kei said, his smile widening as he turned to look around with interest. "Every ruler we've had has been different. You shouldn't be trying to replicate what your father." Kei said as Izumi turned, an eyebrow raised.

"And why shouldn't I think like him?" Izumi asked to which Kei held up an armored finger.

"Because I know your different from your father." Kei said and leaned on the pillar of the room. "You've been focusing on things your father isn't… Like how best to shape the fire nation's military, finances, trading deals. Your father stabilized the Fire Nation then turned to other horizons… I can't say I blame him, there's plenty of damage for us to be undone…. But I suppose that's a talk for tomorrow, is it not?" Kei asked as he turned to leave the room.

"Yes, I believe that will be ok." Izumi stated to which Kei nodded and walked to the door. "And Kei?" Izumi asked to which Kei swiveled his head to her.

"Yes?" Kei asked as he stopped in the process of another step. "Do you need something?" Kei asked with a raised eyebrow as he hummed and blinked once more.

"I'd like to speak with you at midnight if that's alright." Izumi said to which Kei nodded. "Without your armor, as friends." Izumi added to which Kei hummed and rubbed at the back of his neck.

Author Notes

Phew. Another chapter done! I want to point out I'm going to work up to longer chapters and such. Next chapter will be in 2-14 weeks and will show Kei and Izumi talking along with more of their bond and such. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!