One more thing – if you are a Tokka fan, you'll definitely want to check out A Walk in the Woods (by The Pterodactyl) – you are in for a treat.
AN: I do NOT own the characters.
Speakeasy: Chapter 2
The packed club was easily thirty degrees warmer than the blustery night outside. Katara felt like she could look all night at the diverse crowd that had gathered – it had been so long since she had witnessed any joy or happiness in the world, that it was nice to see that somewhere, life continued to thrive. Live music from the large stage had her toes tapping and colorful libations were steadily being poured at the bar. Her moment was interrupted when Jet wrapped his large hand around her delicate one and led her through the club. Katara was glad there was only room to follow as she was definitely blushing again.
What is wrong with me?
The blue eyed brunette liked to believe that she had done a lot of growing up in the time since she had left the South, but in reality, it was mostly an act. She had only very recently come into advanced waterbending techniques and had no weapons skills to speak of. Furthermore, her interaction with the opposite sex had been severely limited as most of the young men from her Tribe were off at war. The reality was…a fact she was suddenly very aware of…she hadn't even had her first kiss yet…
Is this how I'm supposed to feel?
Around Sokka, well, he was her brother and although reliable and loyal to a fault, he could also be supremely annoying and overprotective. As for Aang, the fourteen year old had some potential, but there was nothing about her interaction with him that made her feel the way she did now. That is, completely tongue tied and nervous. In the loud and boisterous club, Katara had more of a chance to study her rescuer. It seemed that Jet knew every single person in the room. Katara smiled inwardly at the approving glances she got from the patrons in the club.
After they walked past a number of gaming tables, Jet took a sharp turn, and nodded at a large sharp dressed young man, "Evening, Pipsqueak."
"Evening, Jet."
Pipsqueak moved his massive self to the side and opened the door for Jet, who dropped Katara's hand, and said cheekily, "Welcome to my lair."
From the outside, Katara would have never guess that the club was this large inside, let alone have room for such an impressive office. Jet's office was large and dark…done in dark mahogany and complete with its own fireplace and pool table, it looked like his own personal sanctuary. Never having seen opulence like this before Katara replied breathlessly, "It's impressive."
Jet shrugged and said, "So I can have room to practice."
Katara watched in awe as he unhooked the lethal double blades -- shuang gou -- from his back. Seeing her wide eyes, in a blur Jet ducked and weaved, snaking the blades to her throat with a smile on his face. In a reflex move, Katara quickly bended water from a pitcher on Jet's desk, neatly knocking him over. Her hands flew to her mouth and she mumbled, "I'm so sorry."
Jet looked up with a wide grin on his face, "So, you're a waterbender?"
Katara put her hands on her hips, "I'm not completely helpless, you know."
"I never said that you were."
Katara busied herself and tried to hide her embarrassment by retrieving Jet's fallen blades. As she passed them back to their owner she asked, "How long have you been…?"
Jet's dark eyes glittered dangerously, "Since the Fire Nation killed my parents. I was only eight."
Katara's blue eyes softened. She knew exactly what Jet was feeling. She looked away, "The Fire Nation took my mother, too."
There was a pause before Jet responded, "You can do something about it."
"I can?" Katara had always felt so helpless when it had come to revenge. As much as she didn't want to admit it, there was a part of her that was enraged at the atrocities the Fire Nation continued to commit. How many others were orphaned by this war that refused to end? Usually, the rational part of herself won out and agreed that patience and Aang's training would right the wrongs of the world…but there was something about being around Jet that sparked her irrational, more dangerous side.
The conversation was halted as Sokka, Aang and two members from Jet's gang burst through the door. As the shorter one whipped off their hat, Katara was surprised that "he" was really a "she."
The wheat stalk in Jet's mouth flew around, "Report?"
The girl stepped forward, "We were able to lose any pursuers, but no doubt the word is going to get out to Zuko that the Avatar was briefly in his custody."
Jet's dark eyes widened at the word "Avatar," but he asked calmly, "Do we know his royal Nastiness's current whereabouts?"
"No."
Jet smashed a clenched fist into his hand, "Damn! Well, we still need to move ahead with our plans, which may have recently changed," he surveyed Katara appreciatively and continued, "Pardon my manners, I believe some introduction are in order."
The petite, but fierce looking girl stepped forward, "Jet, meet Aang, the Avatar, and Sokka of the Water Nation. They already know us."
Katara blinked and realized she had forgotten there was an 'us.' She hadn't even been aware of the other young man's presence. From underneath the low slung brow of his hat, his dark eyes seemed to take in everything. From the back of his impeccable dark suit, Katara glimpsed a tall bow and leather strap across his chest which she assumed held up a quiver of arrows. Jet stepped forward, "Katara, may I introduce Smellerbee and Longshot, Lieutenants in my band of Freedom Fighters?"
Everyone in the room shook hands, glad to be aquainted.
Jet continued, "Longshot, escort our guests to one of the safe rooms. I know it's been a crazy night for everyone, so we'll reconvene in the morning and you can meet the rest of my team, but please know that you're safe here. Make yourselves at home."
Longshot nodded.
In the room, Katara was delighted to find comfortable beds, their own bathroom and a wardrobe full of clothes. She had immediately claimed the bathroom and was currently enjoying a delightful bubble bath.
Sharpening his boomerang, Sokka said glumly, "I don't think this is going to keep us on schedule."
Aang was sprawled out on the bed, "Maybe this is all part of the path."
Sokka crossed his arms, "We need to get to the North."
Katara called out from the bathroom, "What about the Appa?"
Aang agreed, "Yeah, there's nothing we can do anyway…"
"My instincts tell me we're just going to get into trouble here."
Katara came out of the bathroom, carefully bending the water from her damp hair, "Or maybe we can do some good. Seriously, Sokka, do I need to remind you that these people saved our lives? We need to help in any way that we can."
Aang nodded, "Katara's right."
Sokka muttered, "Big surprise."
Katara ignored the comment, "Let's just hear them out tomorrow, ok? Then we'll make a decision."
Meetings started the following morning, and Katara was shy as she walked out into the now deserted club. She had taken advantage of the open wardrobe and selected an amazing fitted navy suit, the highest heels she had ever worn, a gorgeous designer hat and delicate white gloves. She was convinced the whole ensemble made her look at least eighteen. Katara tried to tell herself was that the only reason she was dressed up was so the Freedom Fighters would take her seriously, but deep down she wanted Jet to see that she wasn't just some country bumpkin.
Entering the room, Katara had the benefit of seeing Jet before he saw her. He reminded her of a large cat…it seemed that he had an incredible amount of strength running under his calm exterior.
Does that mean you want to get under that exterior...?
Jet looked up casually and caught Katara's eye, "Lookin' good."
As her heart rate at least doubled, Katara questioned again how it seemed everything about Jet set her off kilter. She sat down…across the table from the leader of the Freedom Fighters, not trusting herself if she actually sat next to him. Sokka sat down on her left and Aang on her right. Both her traveling partners had also taken advantage of the overflowing wardrobe. Sokka nicely filled out a single breasted navy pinstripe suit – refusing to wear a hat as it covered his ponytail. Aang looked older as well…he had chosen a well cut black trousers, a white shirt, and a yellow and red patterned vest, the ensemble was capped with a smart looking fedora.
Jet nodded to each of the members at the table, "I'm glad you all could join me this morning. I'd like to also introduce the Duke and Sneers, who are definitely important members of this organization. Now, as you all know, we've been making small guerilla hits whenever possible. Now, we've recently come across some information that will help us make a big strike on local Fire Nation forces."
Everyone at the table buzzed.
Jet continued, "I've learned that the Fire Nation is planning on threatening this area of town by setting it on fire. They will, of course, make it look like arson, but it will be difficult to ever trace it back to them."
Having everyone's undivided attention, Jet chewed on his straw a moment before telling the table, "There is a way to strike at them first, before they set the fire. However, to pull it off, we're going to need the help of our new friends, Aang and Katara."
The Freedom Fighters all looked at the new additions expectantly. Aang and Katara exchanged a quick look, before Aang said slowly, "We would like some further details."
Jet flashed a dangerous smile and replied, "Of course. There is a dam that overlooks a known Fire Nation encampment -- the one that houses the soldiers who are planning on razing The Forest to the ground. With your skills, we're going to be able to take out an entire regiment."
A look went from one Freedom Fighter to another. Smellerbee shifted nervously in her seat. Aang and Katara also exchanged a worried look. It was one thing to help their new friends, but to actually take lives? An entire regiment?
Sokka crossed his arms, "That's not how we do things."
Jet's eyes narrowed, "It's not your decision to make." Noticing the uneasy looks on everyone's faces he continued, "No one ever said that war was pretty or easy. The Fire Nation has taken something important from each and every one of us, I think it's time we started taking something back!"
Still sensing he hadn't completely won the group over, Jet finished, "Look, I'll give you today to think it over. Tomorrow morning if you're interested, we'll talk details and if all goes according to plan, tomorrow night, we'll act on our plan."
The group nodded.
Jet finished, his white teeth flashing, "Tonight, you'll be my honored guests at the club. Prepare yourselves for a night to remember."
While everyone broke to discuss the proceedings, Katara risked a look across the table - only to be rewarded with a suggestive wink from Jet.
AN: Eh...I'm not one hundred percent happy, but I think it works. Please reivew.
I really think that during the Jet episode (mid-way through Season 1) that Katara hadn't fully developed into the confident girl that we know and love – hence why she's a little OOC in this story.