As Jacque prepared to offer his retort to the fire bender's challenge, he heard the distinctive shout of an authoritative figure and cursed under his breath. Jacque's attention was once more brought to the group he held captive by a loud thud and a complaint of pain, "Crap...", Jacque hissed as he turned to look at Kari who had freed herself. "Now liste-" *crack*, "Oh what NOW?". Jacque looked exasperatedly at the gang members as one struck Rikka and they freed themselves to disperse into the crowd. Sensing an oncoming headache, Jacque released Rikka and returned the water to his waterskin just as an earth bender arrived on the scene, seemingly to offer his assistance to Rikka.