Chapter Text
The sky was bright in Republic City as the chill of December rolled in as the clocks rang at four o'clock.
But the snow that followed wasn't the sort you'd dread having to shovel up or wait for a plow. Let alone trek through.
Everyone was walking about the streets, that joyous feeling in their hearts for it was December 23rd, two days before Christmas Day! Like the rest of the world, those who lived in the metropolis were all getting ready for the holiday.
From the street vendors who were selling what food could be used to cook up a delicious meal, the merchants who you could buy some last minute gifts, to the civilians just wishing their fellow men and women a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Didn't matter if you were from Downtown, the Dragon Flats Boroughs or lived near Kyoshi Bridge, that wonderful feeling of Christmas was up in the air for everyone.
All except for one person, who will be the main focus of this holiday themed tale.
Someone who, while full of riches, had no love nor care to share. For her, Christmas was just another day of work.
Hard work that needed to be done, but to her, everyone around her was too focused on such trivial, useless things.
The stretched out vehicle she rode in pulled up to the towering multi-floored studio she ran, a videobox studio where various mover series were filmed and aired from to be exact, where those waiting in the cold hurried like heck to make sure things were a'ok for when she arrived.
One valet with a cap over his head went over to the limousine to open the back door as it came to a stop, quick to do so for the female who signed his paycheck.
Giving a dignified smile, he gave a nod as he held the door open.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Tezuka." the valet welcomed.
"What's so good about it?"
And that smile fell as he tried to collect himself, trying to find the right words. "Ah... well, because its, um, almost Christmas?" the poor boy gave as his response, followed by one from his boss.
"Mileage may vary."
Just then, the fancy red high heel made its way out of the door followed by a black stocking covered leg, prepared to come down when it stopped in mid-air.
"Excuse, what's your name?" the female inside the limo asked, getting the valet's attention.
"Oh, um, Skoochy."
"Alright, Skoochy. Care to explain why I'm about to step into a puddle of water?"
The valet glanced down, realizing that indeed, his boss was about to step in quite a big puddle of snow and ice filled water. All he could do was give an embarrassed look. "I'm sorry, Ms. Tezuka, I can help you-"
"Aren't you going to be a gentleman and place your coat down for me, Skoochy?"
Hearing the request, that in of itself did put some concern on his mind, while the other valet's gestured to the new guy to just roll with it.
"Of course." he answered without complaint, taking off his coat, instantly feeling the cold as he did, and placing it over the puddle. All to appease his boss.
It seemed to do so as Skoochy saw her look to begin to move...
... towards the other side of the limo, opening up the door there and exiting out, walking around the back.
Azula Tezuka, Executive President of Phoenix Broadcasting, didn't care about the look of dismay she was being given as she walked by in her own red and gold warm furred coat, over her similarly colored winter hat, business dress and jacket, her high heels clacking along the sidewalk.
She only cast those wicked gold eyes of hers towards the distraught valet as he kept looking back and forth at her and his now ruined coat.
"Oh, right. I figured I'd just go the long way and exit out the other side." she explained, not feeling sorry in the slightest as she began walking towards the studio she ran.
All while waving an uncaring hand back at the poor Skoochy without even looking as the other valets went to check on him.
"Just run it through the washer and dryer, it'll be fine!"
Approaching the front doors, the door men were quick to open them, allowing the boss to see all of those working under her thumb scrambling to get things done.
The Fire Nation woman, her beauty only matched by her wickedness, was also plenty well aware they knew she had arrived and had to step up their effort.
It was good to know how much they cared about what she thought.
"Ms. Tezuka!"
Ah, and right at her beckoning was her favorite assistant, Azula turning to see the short haired Water Tribe woman only a few years younger than her coming up with a Varri-Pad in hand.
"Korra, darling, do tell me the good news." she requested while allowing another doorman to help disrobe her furry coat, fake fur of course, and hat, revealing her long locks of black hair while she got used to the lovely heat running through the studio.
Nodding, the cyan eyed girl began moving her fingers along the device she held in front of her boss.
"Ratings from last night's airing of the new 'Girl From The Stars' episode reached great viewer numbers, top spot. Good idea to have it air just after the football game." she offered to Azula's pleasure as they walked side by side along the studio.
"Course it was."
"Got your pot of Jasmine tea currently being brewed up, ready to be made at this very moment."
"So kind."
"And we haven't hit any snags with the rehearsals for tomorrow's live taping of the holiday special."
"The one about the annoying kid banging on his drum?"
"No, the 'Takashi The Red-Nosed Reindeer-Fox' one. The very same one Zhao-"
"Had to auction his ass off for television rights ten years ago, yes." Azula remembered as she stopped with Korra following her lead, making sure to take note of the large stage still being worked on, being that of a toy workshop where the Jolly Fat Man named Sento would have his pointy eared spirit lackeys make up toys.
"Wise as he was getting ratings and knowing the best properties to get sponsors from, little late on the draw when it came to his heart." She casually brought up the man who mentored her when it came to VB, taught her everything he learned.
Yet when news came three years prior of the former owner of Phoenix Broadcastinging, Zhao Mari, passing away from a sudden heart attack while behind the wheel as he left an awards show, in turn crashing off a bridge into Yue Bay, Azula wasn't shocked in the slightest.
Guy liked his fatty foods, smoking, drinking, women... to be honest, she was more surprised he lasted as long as he did.
But now, Zhao was dead as a doornail.
"Even still, we still keep hosting the same damn special every year."
"I mean, me and the family always enjoy it."
Just saying that, Korra spotted the look in those gold eyes being aimed her way, giving a quick gulp. "I mean, personally speaking of course, don't mind me, heh."
"No no, a fair answer. Everyone cherishes the classics, for the most part." Azula didn't seem bothered, never seeing the appeal herself. "I was just thinking of changing things up this year, but those sponsors didn't want to listen to my ideas."
"On one hand, ONE HAND." Korra was quick to defend herself, trying not to get her boss mad as she spoke. "I sorta get it. A special where a lady kills her husband on Christmas Eve to get his life insurance all for herself and her secret lover while her kid sleeps, but has to deal with an escaped mental patient dressed up as Sento at the same time. It MAY be a little too disturbing, could lose viewers..."
The more she spoke however, the more the assistant saw Azula just focus directly on her words, instantly regretting them.
Luckily, she knew how her boss's mind worked.
"... BUT, I also get why you'd want to go for a change of pace. Nothing's wrong with adding some frights and dark humor to the holidays."
OH, the Water Tribe woman was hoping those words would work, especially upon feeling those manicured fingernails digging through her buttoned up shirt as a pale hand was placed on her shoulder...
... and then, she heard that disturbing chuckle belonging to Azula Tezuka fill her ears.
"My point exactly." she spoke up, thankful someone actually agreed with her. "If only others were as smart as you, no wonder that wife of yours got hitched to ya'."
A breath of relief escaped from Korra's mouth. as she saw her boss begin making her way to the elevator, quick to follow her as she listened to the orders given.
"I want this production to go off without a hitch, tomorrow's the biggest night of the year for the channel..." Azula reminded her.
"... If there's an issue with construction, have them figure it out quickly. If one of the actors gets hurt, patch them up or find their understudy. If said actors keep forgetting their lines, stuff the pages of the script down their throats until they remember."
"Will do!" Korra agreed... except for maybe that last part as both waited for the elevator to come down, watching the LCD screen showing which floor it was on, which reminded her. "OH, by the way, your brother came by earlier, looking for you."
That seemed to put some pause in Azula's mood as the door opened, those inside seeing who was waiting and got out as quickly as they could.
She was more focused on who Korra mentioned, turning to her while holding her hand through the doors to keep them open.
"Zuzu?" the boss asked, getting a nod back.
That seemed to be on point for her older brother.
"Right, course." she muttered before casting her eyes on her assistant. "Is he still here?"
"Yeah, been waiting in your office for about twenty minutes. Told him that you were running late."
"Blame my hair stylist there, he was complaining too much about something to do with his aunt kicking the bucket or whatever." Azula carelessly complained, entering the elevator cabin as Korra watched her about to press the button to her floor. "Be sure to bring me up some tea, you know how I like it."
But before she touched it, something she forgot about had dinged up in her mind.
"OH, one other thing." Azula had to bring up, feeling silly for even forgetting this detail, pointing a finger where she had entered from, now trying to think of a name.
"There's a valet, young fella. Wears a silly hat on his head, can't remember his name."
"Oh, you mean Skoochy?"
"YES, him... Tell him he's fired."
All the color left Korra's face at hearing what she just heard, glancing back at the front door, seeing the young man chatting it up with the others outside, trying to wring out his wet coat.
"Wait, why do you want him fired?"
"Silly boy almost made me step into a puddle, ruin these high heels, which may I add costs more than you make in three months. Not a good valet if you ask me." Azula gave as her excuse. "Plus, such a silly name, Skoochy. His parents may as well have named him 'Accident' when he was born."
"But, it's almost Christmas." The Water Tribe girl couldn't help but blurt out, which did make her boss put on a shocked look on her face.
"OH, that IS true..." she noted, glancing back at the young man before shrugging and pressing the button for the top floor.
"... have the guards wear Reindeer-Fox antlers when they escort him off the property."
A shocked Korra couldn't respond back to such a careless response as the elevator doors began to close, Azula able to get one last order through.
"Give me updates on the production every hour, thanks, bye!"
The doors closed, leaving the poor assistant feeling horrible for having to do what she had to do. But sadly, she needed the job, having to start making her way to the closest guard nearby as production was underway.
Awaiting her floor, Azula just stood there, clapping her hands about while listening to the music playing on the speaker.
Of course it was holiday music. And OF COURSE it was that damn song about wanting someone for Christmas, the one was constantly blaring every hour of the day with the high pitched vocals of the female singer.
To Azula, her ears would metaphorically bleed at that certain part of the song, you all know it.
At first, it was only twenty five days of a single month where you'd have to endure this and other so-called lovely tunes. But now it seems as though radio stations keep playing them earlier and earlier into November.
Maybe after Christmas was out of the way, she'd go to whoever runs the music in the studio and tell them to not play Christmas music from now on, even around the holiday. If not, there were always other places that'd hire them once she was through with them.
The ding made once the elevator reached the very top floor, or technically the second to last, snapped the executive as she watched the doors slide open.
All revealing the massive size of her office, the design influenced by the historic roots of the Fire Nation, her native nation.
With the dark color scheme matching perfectly with the old stone statues of soldiers from two hundred years before on display, the wood finish on the walls carved to look like dragon scales as a gas-lit fireplace warmed the room up.
Then there were the pricey chairs with red satin sewn cushions, a abstract inspired desk, the little mini-bar near for when Azula needed a quick pick-me-up, the massive flat screen videobox hung up on the wall, as well as some other expensive items someone of her stature could easily afford.
And then there was the seat behind the desk fit for the Fire Lord themselves. Rumor has it that the one she sat in actually did belong to the Fire Lord way back when, didn't know the precise year.
Then there was the massive row of windows overlooking Republic City, its buildings and those who lived below.
All while nary a Christmas decoration was in sight despite the holiday.
And there, just noticing her make her way in was her big brother as he had been waiting for her, getting up from his seat as she came close.
"Ahh, hello 'Zula."
"Zuzu, your presence is always welcomed." Azula greeted her sibling, Zuko, letting him wrap his arms around her for a hug. All without returning the favor. "Remember, two seconds."
"I counted."
Letting go indeed after two seconds, the oldest of the two watched as she walked around.
Indeed, Zuko Tezuka was very much Azula's sibling, sharing the same skin tone, hair color, even the same shade of gold eyes. Though he had her beat when it came to height, being only an inch or two taller.
That and there was the pinkish patch of a birthmark around his left eye and ear, something he wasn't ashamed to have exposed while ruffling his short mess of hair as he sat back down.
"'Zula, you're looking all excutive-ly as usual." he brought up, seeing his sister sit on her throne and grabbing a remote, turning on the VB, showing one of the channel's programs.
"Well, you and I both know when it comes to executive power, I am the more suited."
"Course."
"And I'm guessing you didn't just come by to kiss my toned ass."
Much as that sounded gross, the older sibling ignored the comment as unlike most within the property, let alone the city, Zuko had patience for his sister.
In fact, despite what you could loosely call her 'Casual' behavior, Azula did care for her brother, as well as their half-sister, despite their differing social standings.
Just that when it came to things that mattered, certain things mattered more than others.
"And here I thought I could lie to you." he commented in his seat, getting the faintest of a sincere smile from Azula at the compliment as he decided to just go for the jugular.
"I noticed you haven't RSVP'd for my Christmas Eve party tomorrow night. We're going all out with it, Kiyi's coming from Ba Sing Se University for it, Mai is making up some delightful-"
"Mai, Mai. Have I met her yet?" Azula had to ask, her eyesight focused on the videobox showing an Christmas themed episode of that series with the four old and catty ladies living together that her channel ran reruns of.
But to Zuko, he just sniggered.
"Alright, I know you're messing with me. You met Mai before, back at the wedding."
"I don't recall being at the wedding, was that-"
"On Ember Island, a year ago, you helped pay for it as your wedding gift."
"That's right. Also had a meeting there at the same time." The executive president then remembered why she happened to be there. "Potential investor, had to try buttering him up, didn't go far. Got a little too 'Slur Happy' when liquored up, wasn't a fan of Water Tribe people." she casually brought up before thinking to herself and getting up from her seat.
"As delightful as your little holiday kegger sounds, sure you may have noticed, but I'll be busy running the Takashi live special at the same time." she described, making her way over to a large telescope as Zuko watched her.
"From what I hear, EVERYONE'S gonna have their eyes on it..."
Leaning into the scope, which was aimed down, it allowed Azula a nice pleasant look at the front entrance and streets in front of the building.
As well as watching that valet with the weird name being forcibly escorted off the premises by the guards, who had on the reindeer-fox antler headbands she requested!
That put a dark grin on her lips.
"... Well, mostly everyone."
Well aware of her behavior, Zuko did have to give a patient sigh as he stood up from his seat.
"I don't doubt your skills to produce a well done special, but I think all those working their butts off in the studio, on Christmas Eve nonetheless, could handle things while you spend some time with your family. At least for an hour or two, have some fun." he offered.
Hearing that, his sister looked up from the telescope, out to the skyline before her, watching the snow fall.
"Ah, Zuzu. Always the heart between us two..." she had to be honest, turning on her high heels to look her big brother in those eyes of his, holding her hands out to the side.
"Tell you what, I'll try to swing by if I could, chat up with Mai, Kiyi, your buddies, suffer through eggnog, make sure it's nice and rum filled by the by..."
Hearing those words, Zuko was actually taken just aback enough as Azula approached him, patting his shoulder, knowing she was putting on a smile.
"... I'll try, long as things aren't too hectic here." she promised in her own special way.
Realizing it was going to be the best answer he was going to get at the moment, the older brother with the birthmark gave a thankful smile.
Even if he heard such a promise before.
"Thanks, 'Zula." he smiled, grabbing his coat off the bannister of his seat as he began making his leave, making sure to get in one more thing. "Actually, I grabbed you a gift, placed it in your desk, sure you'll love it on the big day."
"Sure I will!"
"Merry Christmas!"
"And a... yes."
Watching him leave, the executive president of Phoenix Broadcasting knew her brother was always the hopeful sort, as were their little sister.
Ah, to be that naïve again.
As he approached the elevator while slipping on his winter coat, Zuko saw the elevator door open up, seeing that kind assistant he talked to earlier, a hot cup of tea and a Varri-pad in both her hands.
"OH, Ms. Nanouk." he welcomed Korra, who looked back at him as he entered the elevator. "Thank you so much, have a Merry Christmas."
"You too, Zuko." she responded back with a smile as the doors closed, leaving her be with her boss who approached her, knowing what she wanted.
"Jasmine tea, freshly brewed, extra hot, light milk as you like it."
"As I do." Azula smirked as she was handed the warm beverage, sipping it and enjoying its taste. "So, any big surprises for tonight?"
Looking into her Varri-Pad, Korra scanned through the schedule. "Ah, nothing major, minor quality checks, S&P may have one of their lackeys around-"
"For a holiday special that's appropriate for all ages?"
"Think it's more to do with the Grumble costume the effects guys be making."
That... didn't make sense to Azula.
"So, a killer psycho in a Sento costume is bad? Alright, I'll let that slide. But so's a big white and hairy bouncing monster who has a face turn and helps decorate a freakin' tree by the very end?" she had to question.
Something Korra did give some thought.
"Considering the studio is paying the guy who did that 'Thing' mover remake to work on it, on your recommendation, maybe they're being paranoid." She brought up, choosing her words carefully.
"Standards and Practices are always a paranoid lot, let's give it a look over." Azula sighed, ready to deal with things when a commercial came on the VB.
It was one of those homeless shelter ones telling of helping out the cold and needy during the holidays, must be a local one, seeing as they were giving a local number for donations. Heck, it was even a number off from the buildings own phone number.
Azula didn't have much care for them, believing that life could be unfair at times and you just had to roll with the punches, even during Christmas time. Sometimes on your own.
But it was seeing a shot of a cute brunette her age with a long braided ponytail being filmed serving food at a soup kitchen that made the gold eyed woman stop for a second.
She watched the young woman give a friendly smile and wave to the thankful homeless person.
"Ah, Ms. Tezuka?"
Korra tried to snap Azula out of her thoughts, speaking up. "You okay, Azula?"
"Yes, of course I am." The president was swift to answer, grabbing her remote and turning off the videobox, throwing it on her desk before stomping past her assistant towards the elevator.
"Come now."
"Coming." Korra hurried to follow her boss to the open elevator.