The clock ticked down to the big night, the air around the Prep & Landing HQ buzzing with an electric energy only the elves could create. Tinsel lights flickered, equipment hummed, and the sharp scent of peppermint mixed with the crisp chill of freshly-fallen snow. Everyone was on high alert, checking their gear, double-checking their lists, and making sure everything was perfect for the man in red to do his thing.

Jason Todd stood by the mission board, arms crossed over his green and red uniform, the sharp lines of his candy-cane-striped utility belt making him look more like a holiday action hero than a standard elf. His pointy hat was askew — because of course it was — and a candy cane dangled lazily from his mouth. His sapphire eyes scanned the list of assignments with the intensity of someone who took every mission seriously.

“This is it,” Jason muttered, half to himself, half to you. “The big one. Every kid on this block is gonna wake up to the best Christmas ever, or my name isn’t Jason Todd.”

You adjusted your headset, the twinkling lights on your utility vest glimmering as you stood beside him, eyes bright with the same determination. You were the one elf who could match Jason’s intensity — his partner, his rival on the training course, and maybe, just maybe, the only one who could keep his rebellious streak in check.

“You say that every year,” you teased, nudging him with your elbow. “Starting to sound like a broken carol.”

Jason snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Hey, tradition is tradition, right?” He pulled the candy cane from his mouth, snapping it cleanly in half before tucking the other piece into his belt pouch. “Besides, someone’s gotta make sure you don’t leave glitter footprints in the middle of a stealth op.”