Just for the occasion, I present you this little special. Enjoy.

Disclaimers: Look at the first page.

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/Past/

Dragon's Keep

"…-that agenda in the next meeting. Now finally, what do you suggest for the Halloween Contest?" Zuko asked his gathered colleagues. It was October and the Heroes of the Dragon's Keep are preparing to take part in the upcoming festivities. It was in hope that their participation will garner attention for their relatively new agency.

The contest was for participants to present the most creative Villain persona. It was more of appeasing the public after fans of Gang Orca protested of the poll made to rank Heroes that looked like a Villain. So, this contest was established with Heroes participating to intentionally look the part of a Villain.

The Firelord wondered where Toph went as he would have thought she'd be excited for an activity like this. But he had a very good/bad feeling on what she's up to when terrified faces were directed at him… Correction: behind him.

Bracing for whatever mischief his partner concocted, Zuko came face to a green bloody grinning face with a jack-o-lantern made from a different vegetable. The scarred Hero knows his partner can't see the frown, but the wide grin Toph had while holding her prized produce means she knows it's there.

"What are you doing, Toph?" The man realized a moment too late that he just walked into that one.

"I am not Toph! I am MELONLORD! MWAHAHAHA!" Her childish tirade would have appealed to others, but their subordinates can't look at a watermelon the same way again after last year's company party/training camp.

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After a bit of brainstorming, the consensus was on a more classic fantasy theme with the aid of their newest intern. Ryukyu felt a bit dismayed of being casted as the traditional dragon, but she quickly perked up at the special participant.

For the prisoner… well... Toph was suggested because of her soft countenance and noble upbringing, but she was no damsel in distress. So, they decided on a twist: Instead of a princess…, why not a prince? More specifically… The Fire Prince? It took a bit of convincing, but Zuko was then spirited away before he could regret giving them creative freedom.

With a bit of remodeling by Cementoss, they turned the Dragon's Keep into a Dragon's Lair. The star attraction was given a special armor costume to enhance her scaly features… and it would make the blonde more cooperative that she's not doing a nude photoshoot.

Now she's being coached to play the part of the big intimidating monster. But it was a funny sight that the big mean dragon was more intimidated by the figure no bigger than her claws. "…Show me your war face! Growl like you're gonna eat those mofos alive!" Toph's demonstration was not helping in the matter.

"It's a pictorial. I'm not sure how growling aloud would help." The dragon-girl timidly disputed.

Ryukyu felt like shrinking when the smaller figure gave her a very unimpressed scrutiny. "Looks like the dragon is actually a bunny…" Her muzzle was grabbed so her panicky eyes met fierce unseeing ones. "Come on! Scare me, girl!"

Something formed in her inner being. Fueled by pettiness and determination, Toph's hair flew against that roar. She was a bit elated at seeing that grin for her attempt. "Now that's more like it!"

Pixie-bob and Ragdoll came back with the supporting cast and he looks stunning! And Zuko donned a red imperial robe that made him look like something out of a history book or an actor in one of those Asian soap-opera. In fact, Uwabami gave him a card of one of her talent agencies. But that wasn't what's causing the man's annoyance.

And just as well as she knows her partner, Toph helpfully asked. "So, what bunched up your fancy pants?"

"I looked like my father." He grumpily grumbled. All present were shocked when they realized it in hind-sight… Some of the more optimistic counted his experience as a bit of an advantage to the theme… to his grumbling dismay.

Back to their project, the scene they want to capture is of the classical tale of a dragon guarding the prisoner of noble birth. There was no mound of gold readily available so they resorted to use fire as space-fillers for the 'throne-room'.

Ryukyu was still very wary that she will be in the center of it all but found courage when her Sifu reassuringly rubbed her draconic head. Well…, if they don't win the most terrifying category, at least the most wholesome was just as good.

After a bit more preparation and Mandalay bringing her cousin for precaution, they were all set. Ryukyu's role was simple enough; just tower menacingly over her prisoner.

Zuko on the other hand was being directed on his script. "…- you're a ruler who was captured. You are fearing for your life but must look brave for your people." They are not sure how his scarred face could convey fear with that scowl so they resorted to a more stoic expression. This was probably a lot easier to do as he had to concentrate in controlling the surrounding flames.

The first take was… well, not bad but it needs some improvement.

Sure, Ryukyu's draconic form towered menacingly… But it seems to lack… well…, the menace. Her demeanor was far too subdued for a scary villainous figure. She admitted in stiffening when the flames flared which gave her a guarded stance… This made her look like she is seeing her prisoner as a far bigger threat… Like he was the one holding the chain… Like…

As they focused on who was essentially a prop, a wave of inspiration washed over them. Ryukyu even eagerly surrendered her role as the change will provide a much more striking result. Zuko did more than look brave… He looked fierce!

The Firelord admitted of channeling a bit of anger to work the blaze. Most of his face may have been concealed by the large shadow casted, the hardened scowl that was illuminated was not that of a fearful prisoner… but that of a hardened ruler. His firm, strong bearing commanded respect and fear… including the loyal beast waiting at his beck and call. Thus, all must approach with caution of this… lord in his fiery domain.

And Kami, was it hot (Yes, the fire of course!). With a few more takes and a bit of editing, they got their Villain… Guess who won first place? Or by popular demand: the hottest (pun was not intended)?

They admitted that this was also part of getting attention. But they did not expect the new fanbase (unknowingly that some of their own members started it). Or Uwabami coming back to insist on her offer for an acting career. Or Midnight complimenting his 'lordship' and other suggestive connotations.

The Heroes of the Dragon's Keep are dreading when their other boss decided to get herself a stick… A really big one. That thought was forgotten when the couple got calls from their family and friends abroad worrying if they saw Ozai in Japan.

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Now as usual: ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration.