Time to get back to Blackeagle.

I helped here, as you'll see.

 
Degrassi Knoll, the city soaked in the sweat of farmers, sick with the curses of time and politics and awash with the rumors traded by young Gnollish girls, lays restlessly at night, with the quiet streets populated by thieves and thugs and the loud, rowdy bars and other public buildings loud with arguing, laughing, singing and life. People flock to the bars for the drinks, of course, but also to escape boredom in somewhere relatively safe at nights.

As our story started, however, it was one of those mornings where Degrassi Knoll was, generally speaking, sleeping off another hard hangover under the light rain and soft clouds of a typical spring morning.

Two strangers on horseback rode through town. They stopped just outside a bar called The Rocks Bar and Inn.

"This looks like as good of a place as any to stop," John said.

"Yeah, looks like a place we could find trouble in," Sherri said.

"Don't we always?" John replied.

They dismounted their magical horses. The horses turned into human form.

"You two stay close just in case we need you."

With that, the two walked inside. The bar wasn't too packed. Only 7 or 8 people plus the barkeep / innkeeper. The strangers looked around, assessing their surroundings. They slowly approached the bar.

"Pardon me sir; we are looking for a place to rest. Perhaps we can exchange services," John inquired.

The rough looking barkeep responded with, "What kind of services do you have in mind?"

"A room in exchange for me and the lady here to provide your bar with security," John said.

The barkeep thought about it for a minute.

Just as he was about to speak, a strange looking fellow came up to the tall redhead and said, "How about we do a trade. The redhead for your life?"

Both John and Sherri took up defensive stance.

"Not a chance," Sherri told the guy.

She quickly swept the guy off his feet, leaving him on his back on the floor. He grabbed a knife from his belt and jumped up to take a swing at her. She quickly grabbed his wrist with her right hand and the knife with her left.

"Nice try," Sherri said. She had the guy at her mercy. She let go as quickly as she grabbed him. The barkeep looked at the patron and said, "You might want to leave while you still can." The barkeep looked at John and Sherri. "You got a deal."

"Do I got a deal too?!" the thug asked. She responded by glaring at him, causing him to run off scared.

"Thank you," said the barkeep. "We're used to getting people like him in but no one does anything about it."

"We are more then happy to help. Besides, don't threaten her and not expect her to react," John said.

"Yeah I may look pretty but as you can see, I pack quite a punch," Sherri said.

"Great; when can you start?" The barkeep asked.

"Soon as we rest," John said.

"We had a bit of a journey," Sherri added.

The barkeep motioned to an odd looking barmaid. She was tall, slender with a tail and ears. What some would consider a furry or neko. She walked over to the barkeep.

"Whatta want?" the barmaid asked the barkeep.

"Show these 2 to their room. Make sure they get what they need," the barkeep said.

With that, she took them upstairs to one of the rooms. It was a bit more decorated than the hut back in ninja village. The room had a feather mattress on a wooden bed frame. Couple of chairs, a wood dresser.

"Thank you very much, this will do for now," Sherri said.

The catlike bar maid left them.

John walked up to the window and looked out over the street.

It seemed to be a sprawling town. Many people out and about that time of day. Horse drawn buggies about and people walking on the stone streets. One thing that struck him was the number of bars. Just on that block alone were 4 bars and a corner market. Even the market sold beer. In front sat a sign that read, "Beer 50 meat."

"Meat for beer?" John asked.

"I noticed that too, must be their way of currency," Sherri guessed.

John scratches his head. "Interesting."

"Yeah will work for meat." Sherri chuckled.

They decided to rest. After couple of hours they were up and went down to the bar. By now, the bar was a bit more crowded.

"Good you're here." The barkeep said. "I have a job for you 2."

"Sure, we will do what we can," John replied.

The barkeep had them take inventory and carry heavy crates in from the back after delivery. Sherri noticed a stack of burlap sacks in a corner on the floor.

"Hey, these would make great packs," Sherri said.

"Agreed, but we best ask the barkeep," John replied.

By the time they finished their work, another hour and a half had gone by. They picked up a handful of the burlap bags and went to the barkeep.

"Hey, we noticed these old bags laying around; mind if we take a couple?" John asked.

"Take em all, they are never used by me," the barkeep said.

"Thank you." Sherri said.

They took the bags back up to their room. Suddenly they heard a ruckus and went down to see what it was. They saw 2 figures arguing. One had wounds and was bleeding from a broken beer mug. John and Sherri stepped in between the 2. John tended to the one man's wounds.

"You ok, sir?" John asked the man.

"That thing, hit me over the head with a beer mug," the man said.

"Let me get something to stop the bleeding. Where I am from I am a certified medic," John said.

"You a doctor?" the guy asked.

John just looked at him then went to the store room and brought out couple of burlap bags. He placed one over the wound to stop the bleeding and another he used his newfound knife to cut strips and tie them to keep the one bag on the wound.

"There - midevil first aid," John said.

The guy gave John a puzzled look.

John turned his attention to Sherri who was trying to calm the other guy.. They both picked the guy up by his shoulders and escorted him out.

"I think it's time for you to leave," Sherri told the aggressor.

He left without further incident.

"You 2 are amazing," the barkeep told them.

"Thanks, we're used to this line of work," John said.

By closing time they had broken up 4 more fights and taken several weapons away including a couple of knives and a pick axe.

"You did a good job today," the barkeep said.

"Thanks. Like we said it was our job where we come from," John said.

"Have a good night," The barkeep said.

"Thanks," Sherri said.

With that they went back to their room and stored away what they gathered in the burlap sacks. Then they went out for the evening. Out wandering the streets at night was something they were used to doing. This time was no different, even though the setting was.

Out on the street they walked. Looking around each corner and each alley way they came across. The cobblestone was beginning to cool down from the day. Steam rose slowly. The steam gave them concealment to a degree. Suddenly they heard CRASH, the sound of wood being split open. The 2 newcomers cautiously moved toward the sound. Watching from every angle. When they arrived on scene, they saw what appeared to be common town folk going at it next to a broken vendor's cart. With the contents of the broken cart they were unable to tell the contents.

"Oh hell this town loves to fight," John commented.

"Keeps us in work," Sherri commented.

They had their attention towards each other when something blindsided John, knocking him off his feet. Next, something or someone come from behind and grabbed Sherri by the throat and tossed her against a wall. The townsfolk ran away at the sight. John was able to get to his feet and suddenly recognized the figure who had his wife pinned. It was Blake, their first enemy in the new dimension.

Naturally, he had his trademark Cold Ninja Mask on.

"Can't forget about your boyfriend, now." Blake took a knife with his free hand and hurled it at John. John caught it in his hand.

"Nice try Blake; now put her down and fight me," John said.

"Your wish is my command." Blake flashed a smile. Somehow his teeth glittered in a ray of sun. "And your death warrant!"

Blake dropped Sherri and lunged at John. John dodged. Sherri got her breath back and they both went after Blake, who ducked between them. John tried to sweep his legs but he jumped back. Sherri jumped at him with a kick but he rolled to the side, coming up just in time to pull a blade at John, slicing wildly at him. A few of the swipes connected, but Blake soon had to turn his attention to avoiding Sherri's attack as well. Of course, Blake's seemingly endless supplies of knives seemed to serve him well against two attackers. The thrown knives tended to end up well out of range of the fight if he missed, making it hard for Blackeagle to retrieve them to use against him. They focused their attack on Blake, but he was proving uncannily quick and able to anticipate their attacks.

"Come on," Blake taunted. "Is that the best you got? You can barely touch me!"

John glanced over at Sherri with a nod. With that, Sherri leaped at him, allowing her jumping ability to cover the distance, surprising him with a jump kick. He avoided it but she resumed her attack, forcing him to backtrack. Meanwhile, John turned and rushed towards a tree where three of Blake's knives were buried deep enough that a normal adventurer, even a standard Seal Clubber, would have problems pulling them out.

With his strength, John was able to pull the first free effortlessly. As he did, however, Blake was suddenly standing behind him. "Not so fast!"

Even as John pulled the blade free from the three, Blake kicked John's arm, striking at the elbow and causing John to drop the knife, which Blake retrieved midair. John staggered back, holding the arm which Blake had kicked so hard.

"Well, if you really want it," Blake said, slicing the knife across Blake's thigh and then stomach. "Here's a little taste of it."

John glared at Blake, angry he'd let Blake catch him off guard. But, while John held Blake's attention, Sherri moved up from behind. John kept Blake's attention. "Hey Blake, nice try but I'm still standing."

With all her might, Sherri gave Blake a blow to the back of his spine. John quickly grabbed another knife from the tree and swung around. "Hey you want me, come get me." With that, Blake attempted to lunge again at John. This time John swung around, putting him in a headlock and the knife to Blake's side. "Blake you better get while I am still in the mood to let you."

"This is where you are going to die," Blake said.

"Again?" Sherri asked.

"Trust me Blake, many have tried and they all failed," John replied.

Just at that moment, a shadowy figure out the corner of Sherri's eye caught her attention. "John look out!" Sherri yelled as she pushed him to the ground as they heard a gunshot.

"What was that?" John asked.

"I don't know; you ok?"

"Yeah thanks."

The shadowy figure stepped into view. A short girl, long black hair flowing behind her. The figure might have seemed comical - leather pads, bring pink leggings, and a metal chest plate that covered most of her upper body - but the old style pistol in her hand was decidedly uncomical. The katana strapped to her back stayed in place as she dove through the air, flipping over a couple times dramatically.

"Oh, cool," she said, coming to her feet and taking a fancy curtsy. She flipped her gun and patted the hilt of her blade with her other hand. "A double date! Sorry I'm late, boys. Had to freshen up the old hero killers."

Before Blake, John or Sherri could react, the strange girl aimed her pistol and fired another shot. Then another. Blake had to scamper behind the tree while Sherri and John rushed the other way to avoid getting shot.

"What the sod, Mimi?!" Blake called out. Luckily for Blake, with the two separated, Mimi could focus her attention on John and Sherri. Black scurried behind her to avoid getting shot.

That's when the winds suddenly started picking up. Howly icey winds assaulted Blake and Mimi. Mimi screamed something about needing another Generic Summer Vacation. Several snowballs, packed with ice, battered the couple.

"What the sod?!" Blake called out again, covering his body from the icey assault. "It's the ice mage!"

"Wrong!" Suddenly a redheaded girl, with a tall lanky green clad Knob Goblin behind her, stepped into view. She held a toy yeti in her hand, using it to power her ice attacks. "It's the ice mage!"

"...." answered Blake.

"He just said that," Mimi said, glaring. "You idiot!"

"Right," the ice mage answered. "Sorries. Kay, thanks, bye!"

With that, she turned her icy assault up, forcing Mimi and Blake backwards. Mimi pulled her gun up to aim a shot at the ice mage's head, but the mage doubled her icy assault. A flurry of snowballs struck Mimi, forcing her to stagger. However, she aimed the pistol for a second shot while Blake advanced, forcing the girl to split her attention. Not wanting to continue the prolonged fight, Sherri grabbed the ice mage and leaped onto the nearest building, using her leaping ability to jump from building to building. John and the green-clad Knob Goblin rushed to keep up.

The ice mage's wind kept Blake and Mimi off balance until the 4 had escaped into South Degrassi.

They made their way back to the room John and Sherri had gotten thanks to the barkeep. John and Sherri began gathering the things they collected.

"Cool trick," Sherri said to the strange ice mage.

"Yeah you saved us but who are you?" John asked.

The redheaded girl squealed. She looked at John and Sherri with wide eyes, giving her face a playful, innocent look. "Ohh, that was fun!! How did you jump like that?! Ohhh.. are you a rabbit furry like Lapine the cutie pie healer?! Oh wait, if you are, how do ya hide your fur?! Ohh. and ears... and where's Green?! Ohh.. there he is! Hi Green!"

The lanky Knob Goblin walked in behind John, looking rather nervous.

John and Sherri looked at her funny. Looking her up and down.

"You're the comedian but who is this?" Sherri asked.

The odd girl blinked. "Huh?! Who's a comedian? What do ya mean? Oh, do you mean my Knob Goblin buddy Green! Hi, Green! Green's funny, he gets scared. Ohh.. do you mean my toy yeti?!"

She held up her toy yeti, showing off the braids in the toy's hair. She giggled in an innocent, infectious and almost childlike way. "Isn't he cute?!"

"Yeah lady, he's cute but we need to get going," John said.

"Yeah we fight like hell but there's a time to split," Sherri added.

"Who's lady!?" the confused girl asked. She suddenly got excited, jumping up and down til Green got her to calm down a bit. "I'm Becky. Becky Joy! Ohh.. where are you going?! Did Blake tell ya where to find the Prince baby?! Did he go, 'Here's where you find Prince Baby and Catrina's there and Dashie and Space Queen Aleenie?!'"

"Sorry, it's a figure of speech," Sherri said.

"Blake didn't tell us anything. It was an ambush," John said.

"He was waiting for us," Sherri added.

"We should get back to ninja village and regroup," John said.

Becky gasped. "WE should?!" Ohh.. is Green gonna go with you, and I'm gonna go with ya, cause I'm a deputy in Degrassi?! And it's gonna be a lotta fun?! Is it?!"

"You can if you want, and the troll too. We could use a team in this strange world," John said.

"You commin?" Sherri asked as they headed out the door.

"Troll?!" Becky clapped. "Is Belinda the troll coming?! Ohh.. and maybe Sassy Snake too?! I hope so! Oh, but call him Linger, kay?! That's his name now! Good fighter when he has to be..."

"Honey, leave it to you to piss off some ice queen in a strange world," Sherri commented.

"Yeah just my luck," John said.

"Ohh, don't worry," the goblin Green said, trying to get Becky to calm down. "She don't get pissed.. and I'm a Knob Goblin, not some scary troll. Miss Becky here is talkin' about a troll we met earlier. So do ya two mind if we go with you? Are you off to rescue the princess.. Oops, I mean, queen Aleena and her pals?"

Becky's eyes lit up, meanwhile, at Sherri's comment. "Ohhhh.. ice princess... I wanna be a.. wanna be a..."

"A what?" Sheri asked.

"Oh, hey!" Becky suddenly realized, rushing to follow as John and Sherri left their room. "Wanna hear all about Sassy Snake and her name as a lot of s's and I'm gonna tell you all about her now?!"

"Perhaps we will tell you who we are and about the mission," Sherri said. She paused, looking Becky up and down. Sherri added, "But only if you can be a good girl."

"We don't trust just anyone." John added.

Becky giggled and smiled. "Ohhh, I like that, if it's okay to like that! I'm always a good girl.. and you can trust good girls cause they're good and and and ohh.. if I'm good, would you let me buy cookies for everyone?!"

"Sure, Becky," Sherri answered. "it's your money so if you're good, why not?"

John smiled as they walked out of the building, joined by a couple ninjas and the prankster Centaur brothers. Looked like Sherri was starting to figure this weird ice mage out...

The voter's highlights for this piece are Blackeagle's action scene with Blake as well as Becky's "good comedic timing." In fact, that "comedic timing" snags "Most humorous moment" for this piece for the following, which voter Ichiro called a "good example of Becky antics getting enhanced by the characters around her." Yay Becky!