Avatar? So not mine.
So, eight short fics in. This one's kind of part three, after Past and Present. I think the direction is becoming clear. Hope you like it.
Future
"Our nation used to stand for something. We used to be known for our nobility. Honor used to be more than a word. It was once considered unthinkable to attack the helpless, to fight without reason, to send children to war.
That was before any of us were born. We're a century into a meaningless war started by the greed and madness of a man long dead. A usurper sits on the throne and throws our people's lives away."
The small group of soldiers, twenty or so strong, sat in shocked silence. Major Uel stared at the boy.
"If things continue as they are our nation will end in ashes, win or lose. I can't stand by and watch this happen." He spoke quietly and was nearly motionless, the fire illuminating his face, his scar. "You've all spoke of how you ended up here, but I haven't. When I was fourteen..." He was barely fifteen. He told them of the war council and of speaking out on the behalf of a Company of untrained soldiers. Of the Agni Kai and how his opponent was his father, not the General, as he had expected. Of how he had stood down and been scarred. Of waking up and being shipped off to the 41st-- after being told the battle plan hadn't changed an iota. "The only thing I regret is surrendering at the Fire Duel. At the time my only thought was that I couldn't fight my own father. Hell, I begged for him to forgive my disrespect. If I knew then what I know now I would have stood and fought. Maybe if I had..."He fell silent for a moment. "What I've said, and even more so what I'm about to say, would be considered treason by many. However I can't stand by and watch this happen. I don't know how I can bring the Fire Nation to what it should be. To make it a place where young men and women can build lives instead of being sent to the ends of the world to die at a madman's bidding. All I know is that I have to do something. It will not be easy and it will not happen quickly-- and I cannot do it alone. I'm going to need your help, my brothers and sisters at arms." He was at their mercy now.
The Major unsheathed his sword, knelt and laid it at Zuko's feet. One by one the others followed suit. "So, when do we start Your Highness-ship?"