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Dust: Why was I reincarnated as a Dire Weasel? Weasels, Goblins, and Sewers By Tarrenger Drakenlied �Dust you still up?� It was Rex. �Yeah, it�s still early. What�s up?� Dust peeked out from behind the stall door. �We got a job for tonight, think you�re up for it?� Rex asked. �Tonight? Sounds serious. What�s the job?� Dust asked with a bit of concern. �Goblins.� Rex replied. �Oh�� ------------------------------ �Ugh�this place reeks�� Dust rubbed at her nose with an annoyed grumble. �It could be worse. It could be an active sewer.� Nirra said, �Just be glad you�re taller than me.� ��Good point. Still, it means my sense of smell is useless down here.� Dust replied as they walked. �Quiet, we don�t need to alert them.� Rex hushed the pair. �Because a bright torch is so much stealthier yeah?� The giant weasel remarked with a roll of her eyes, �Couldn�t our Master Sorcerer conjure up a spell to make you guys see in the dark?� �And waste my magic? Such spells only last a short time anyway. So, we�ll need the torch till we get near their lair.� Qildor huffed as he shot the weasel a glare. �Well excuse me for voicing an idea. I�m not a magic expert.� Dust growled and glared back. �Both of you knock it off and focus, we have a job to do.� Rex hissed. �Sorry.� The weasel and elf both apologized. �You two can exchange jabs later.� Nirra added. �She�s right. This isn�t the time for petty games.� Dust sighed internally, �We got a serious job to do.� She put the irritating elf out of her mind and focused on listening to their surroundings instead. They were far below the city of Astuvila, moving through long abandoned sewer tunnels. It reeked, but at least it was dry. They were down here to locate a lair full of goblins, and wipe them out. Dust wasn�t very enthusiastic about it; she could only image how they really were compared to how media had portrayed them in her old world and life. She thought back on the conversation she had with Rex before they got to where they were now. Earlier� �Think you can handle this? You�d certainly tip the scales in our favor when we find them.� Rex asked the weasel. �Aren�t they pretty small and weak?� Dust asked, �Should be easy enough, right?� �Small yes, weak? In most cases, also yes. But they also can come in large numbers and usually carry crude weapons laced with nasty toxins.� The human explained, �The City Council offered us the job before they posted it. It�s a lot of coin, which we could certainly use.� �Oh, right�I can see why you�re so serious about this. What�re the details?� Dust asked. �Goblins seem to have moved into abandoned sewer tunnels under the city. Likely been down there for several months. There�s been a bunch of disappearances in the poorer districts. The City Guard hadn�t had much luck; until they spotted several goblins attempting to abduct a young woman some nights ago. They have an idea of where the lair is, but attempts to get rid of them have been futile. So, we�re being asked to go down there and wipe them out. The dagger is better than the war hammer in cases like this. And if at all possible, we�re to recover the missing people.� Rex explained to the weasel, �It�ll be dark and likely tight quarters.� �Makes sense to hire Adventures like us then. This isn�t gonna be a pretty sight I imagine; you�ve dealt with goblins before?� Dust asked with a grimace of concern. �We�ve dealt with small bands of goblins before. It�s often quite�unsettling yes.� Rex nodded, �But if the reports are accurate, this might be a bigger group than we�ve dealt with before. If it is, then there�s a chance we have at least one goblin shaman to contend with.� �Yikes�� Dust frowned, �Well you can count me in. I can�t just back out after insisting on being on a job with the rest of you. Not only that, but I also need the experience.� �I figured as much, probably should�ve invested in some armor for you.� The human said with a curt nod, �Since we�re taking you into a combat situation.� �Yeah, no thanks. I already thought about doing that myself.� Dust shook her head, �I think that would be way too expensive, we�d likely need something custom made just to fit me. Plus, while I�m already an adult I�m still growing. That would just add another expense to it, but I also think it would just hinder my speed and flexibility. My biggest assets in a fight.� �Hmm�good points. Still, we should look into some form of protection for you. Better to have it and not need it, than to be without it.� Rex rubbed his chin, �We�ll figure it out after this job.� �If you think it�s necessary, I�m more interested in getting a bedroll. I�m a simple weasel.� Dust shrugged, �So we�re going now?� �Yes, while the sun is still up, though we don�t have a whole lot of that left. The idea is to find the lair while they�re still asleep, or at least vulnerable.� Rex explained, �That way they�ll focus all attention on us instead of trying to abduct more people.� �Fun� Let�s go before I lose my nerve.� Dust left her stall ready to go. Now� �So, what�s first when we find them? Rescue?� Dust asked as they continued through the dark tunnels. The weasel moved a bit ahead of the group since she could see in the darkness without the torch lighting the way. Certainly, helpful in that she could spot things before the others, at Rex�s suggestion. She was more than happy to follow his direction; he was the leader after all. Plus, he was a lot more experienced. Sure, Rex and the others were giving her more agency to do as she pleased, but it was still far more practical to follow their lead. �I�m not some super powered being after all.� Dust thought to herself as she looked around, �I have way too much to learn too. And no skill trees, no magic cellphone, or aptitude for magic. Do telepathy and telekinesis even count as magic?� It was something for her to think on at a later time. So, she kept her eyes peeled for anything unusual instead. And almost stepped on something that caught her eye. �I found something.� Dust said as she looked back to Rex and the others. �What�d you�huh.� Rex said as he saw what she found, �Clever bastards.� The human knelt down as he examined a thin length of string stretched across the tunnel. A tripwire, tied to an array of strung up bones up in the roof of the tunnel. �Early warning system? Definitely got a shaman among them.� Nirra nodded. �How can you tell?� Dust asked. �Shamans are the smart ones. Capable of using magic, but also planning.� Rex explained, �We�re close if we�re seeing traps like this.� �It�ll be night soon, disable it so we can hurry along.� Qildor said, �Odds are good that we�ll have scouts to take out nearby.� �Already on it.� Rex said as he followed the string to a hook leading up to the ceiling. The human carefully cut the string and then tied it expertly to the hook, keeping the trap from triggering. He looked around some more to see if there were other traps in the immediate area, but found nothing. �Looks clear, keep a close eye out though. That night vision is looking good right about now too.� Rex said as he nodded to Qildor. �Right.� The elf nodded as he focused for a short moment and cast a spell over himself, Rex, and Nirra. Dust could see their eyes glow briefly as the spell took effect, �Nice.� Rex snuffed out the torch and they continued on. The weasel quickly taking the lead again. �If I spot a goblin, what should I do?� She asked. �Kill it as quickly and quietly as possible.� Rex said in a hushed tone, �If we can get to the lair before they�re alerted, we�ll be able to get the drop on them.� �Right�� Dust nodded. She was nervous, this was different from hunting animals for food. Or dealing with a giant fire breathing lizard monster. These were creatures that could think and plan, perhaps not amazingly well. But still enough to be deemed a threat. It was too late to back out of this; she was very much committed to the job at hand. After a few more minutes the giant weasel spotted movement ahead. �Wow they�re uglier than I expected.� Dust thought to herself as she saw three of the creatures ahead. The goblins were short, green skinned, potbellied, large headed�things. Almost gangly limbs, and only garbed in simple loincloths. These ones were only armed with clubs at least. Dust had to act fast, the odds of them seeing well in the dark were high. She tensed up, muscles feeling tight as her heart picked up speed. The weasel didn�t put any thought into her actions, she just reacted. Leaping forward with a silent snarl, paws at the ready. CRUNCH! SPLRCH! CHOMP! Dust dropped down on two of them with her full weight. Crushing their heads under her paws with ease. The third stared in shock before her jaws came down and crushed his skull with a powerful bite. It was over in seconds. �Scouts�eliminated�� Dust said as her mind caught up with her body. �Good work. You�re a natural.� Rex said as he, Nirra, and Qildor caught up to her. ��Thanks.� The weasel nodded as she gathered herself. Her body was trembling with the adrenaline rush, her first encounter with goblins and she crushed them so easily. Literally! Her forepaws were a mess of gore, as was her snout. She must look terrifying right now. Dust licked some blood and gore from her teeth and snout, she liked it. The weasel shuddered as her body tingled excitedly. She had a taste for blood now (in the craving for violence sense), and it bothered her how quickly she accepted it and even enjoyed it. She was also confused as to why goblin blood triggered this, when hunting wildlife hadn�t? Likely it had to do with her feral instincts. She�d have to keep that in mind for now, as she cleared her head and caught up to the others. �You alright Dust?� Rex whispered once she caught up. �Yeah� my brain is just trying to keep up with my body right now.� Dust said quietly, �Is it normal to enjoy this sort of thing? I mean really enjoy it?� �Not really?� Nirra shrugged, �Why?� �I feel like I might be enjoying this more than I should.� Dust said, �Hunting doesn�t give me the same sensation of�elation.� �Either you�re turning into a sociopath, or it�s simply a Dire Weasel thing.� Rex offered. �I was gonna say something similar.� Nirra agreed. �Mmmm�I hope it�s not the former.� Dust shuddered. �Can we focus please?� Qildor asked, �I can hear something ahead.� �Right sorry for the distraction.� Dust apologized, �I need to read the room better.� There were sounds coming from deeper in the tunnel, an almost skittering sound. Like little feet, lots of little feet. �The sun must be setting by now.� Rex said as he slowly unsheathed his sword, �They�re definitely up now.� �Must be on the move already. We better hurry.� Nirra said as she got her mace ready. They continued deeper, the sounds getting louder. Chittering could be heard now too; the goblins must�ve been heading in their direction! �Alright, looks like they�re coming to us instead. We�ll hold them here.� Rex said as he stopped and held his sword at the ready, �Let none of them past. We�ll carve our way through them.� �Right.� Nirra agreed, �Let them come. We�ll put em all to the forge!� �Qildor, care to light the stage?� Rex asked, �Dust announce our arrival.� �Gladly.� Qildor said as he thumped his staff on the floor. Balls of flame ignited in the air lighting up the immediate area. �Uhh, how do I do that?� Dust asked. �Roar I guess.� Nirra offered. �Oh, I can do that!� Dust said excitedly. The giant weasel stepped forward and inhaled deeply before unleashing the loudest roar she could. RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!!!! The giant weasel�s voice reverberated down the tunnel, echoing loud and clear. Making it very clear to the goblins that they weren�t the only ones down in the sewers. It clearly did something as the sounds grew louder and angrier. Loud chittering and snarling could be heard, along with the clanging of weapons. In moments there was a swarm of several dozen goblins charging into view. Armed with clubs, crude swords, daggers, even spears and bows! They were armed and ready for a fight. �Take them down!� Rex yelled as he charged forth. �YEAAAAAAH! Back to the ground with ya!� Nirra yelled as she joined him. Qildor raised his staff and started throwing out bolts of flame at the goblins, covering Rex and Nirra�s blindsides. The goblins wasted little time themselves and went on the attack as well. Attempting to swarm the group with their numbers. Dust meanwhile froze for a long moment; she couldn�t think on how to approach the situation without getting in the way. While the tunnel was quite wide and open, she wasn�t human sized. She had to be mindful of her size, not that she had much time to think on it as several goblins rushed her. �Scheisse!� Dust yelped as she jumped back and took a swipe with her paw. Her paw connected with the closest goblin, practically caving in his skull as he went flying into the tunnel wall. �Verdammt! Am I really that strong? Or are they that weak?� Dust swiped at the rest of her attackers, �Or both?� The goblins wised up quickly though, keeping just out of reach. They chattered and snarled at her, thrusting spears and swords at her. She snarled and lunged forward, chomping down on one goblin�s shoulder. The giant weasel was quick the shake him to pieces in her powerful jaws. Unfortunately, this also afforded the other goblins a chance to strike back. They wasted little time in getting close, stabbing and slashing at her shoulders and sides. Their weapons were crude, but they were still effective! �Fick mich that hurt!� Dust snarled as she hip-checked one goblin and crushed another under her hind paw. She roared and slashed cleanly through a goblin with her claws. The goblin shrieked as his guts spilled out of his body. Dust was in full fight mode, forget trying to think her way through this fight. She didn�t have proper combat experience, instead fully relying on her brute strength and animal instincts. The goblin swarm seemed to start focusing more on her than the others. At least it seemed like it to her, for every goblin she cut down it seemed like two more took its place! The giant weasel snarled as she gave as much as she took. Ripping goblins apart with her teeth and claws, spraying blood and gore everywhere. There seemed to be no end to the goblins. �Just how big is this swarm?!� Dust thought as she fought through the pain of her own wounds, �Get off!� Dust bucked forward throwing off a goblin that had climbed onto her back. She roared as he managed to imbed a dagger in her shoulder. It hurt like hell, and served to only piss her off. In fact, it seemed to cause something to just snap in her mind. Dust�s vision started to tunnel, honing in on the goblins. Disregarding everything else around her, even sound seemed to fade out to just the pumping of her own heart thumping loudly in her ears. RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!!!! �? Dust gasped and groaned as she stirred suddenly into alertness. Then let out a loud whine as pain erupted all over her body. �Fick mich� Was zur h�lle ist passiert? Wo bin ich?� Dust thought as her vision cleared and she got a look around. She was in room, cobblestone walls, wood floor and ceiling. There was a window letting in light from outside, it was daytime. There was a lantern mounted to the wall providing extra light. She seemed to be laying on a thick mat on the floor, a cabin maybe? She whined and winced as she tried to move again, inciting more pain through her body. Just�what happened? �Last thing I remember was fighting goblins�a lot of goblins.� She thought to herself, �Where�s Rex and the others?� As if on que a door opened outside of her field of view and Nirra came in. �Dust? You�re awake!� The dwarf hurried over and knelt in front of Dust. �Nirra�what the fuck happened? Where am I?� Dust asked immediately. �In our room at the Inn. I�m glad you�re awake. We were starting to get worried.� Nirra said as she stroked Dust�s cheek, �Important thing is, you�re safe and awake. I�ll be right back, just�don�t try to move, okay?� ��Okay?� Dust said nervously. Was there something seriously wrong with her? Trying to adjust her position for a better look was quickly met with sharp pains across her body. Dust growled and grit her teeth as she settled back down. She wasn�t going anywhere on her own. �Well� I�m not missing sensation in any part of my body far as I can tell.� Dust thought as she carefully moved parts of her body, wincing in pain each time. �At least I�m not paralyzed in some capacity. But damn am I in pain.� Dust grumbled, ��ugh. Damned heat is kicking in again; the medicine must�ve worn off. Fick mich�I hope I haven�t started hotboxing the room.� That only added to her overall foul mood, just what the fuck happened to her? Surely a bunch of small squishy goblins couldn�t have done this much damage, right? Right? Dust gulped nervously, she hoped there wasn�t any permanent damage. Nirra returned, along with Rex and Qildor, Dust was quick to notice they all looked pretty roughed up. Covered in bandages and bruises. �Damn, you guys look like h�lle. The fuck happened?� Dust asked. �Still looking better than you do.� Qildor remarked. �Fair point.� Dust frowned, �But seriously what happened?� �You happened.� Rex said. �I�come again?� The weasel asked confused. �Yeah, you tore through those goblins like nothing I�ve ever seen!� Nirra said, �It was amazing and horrifying.� �I did?� Dust was completely lost now. �You don�t remember?� Rex asked. �Nope, I remember crushing and cutting down a few goblins�then waking up here.� Dust said, �How badly was I hurt? How long was I out?� �You almost died. I teleported you to safety. You�re welcome.� Qildor said bluntly, �You owe me a teleportation scroll.� Nirra jabbed him in the leg with her elbow, �Be nice Qildor, she saved our asses too. Just call it even and leave it be.� �And then tried to kill us. So yes, she still owes me.� Qildor said with a huff. �I did what now?!� Dust grew wide eyed. �One thing at a time. Yes, you nearly died from your injuries, blood loss, and severe poisoning. You�ve been unconscious for almost eight days.� Rex explained, �The healer should be here in a few minutes. We�ll go more in depth after she leaves.� �I�what?! WHAT!?� Dust was floored, but she didn�t get a chance to ask anything else when the door opened and an older woman entered. �I see my patient is finally awake, let�s check those bandages, shall we?� She said with a soothing voice and smile. Dust was still trying to piece together what she just heard from Rex. Eight days? What happened that put her out of commission that long? Did she really try to kill them too? Her thoughts were derailed by a sharp pain in her side, making her tense up and growl loudly. �Easy there, I know it hurts. But it�s important that I check on your ribs.� The old woman said as she continued. Her touch was causing spikes of pain and tensed muscle; Dust was a mess. �How is she?� Rex asked. �Ribs seem to be mending well on their own. That�s a good sign; the breaks weren�t too severe to begin with. Her foreleg though is a different matter, that�ll still take several weeks to fully heal. But she should be mobile in another week or so, but heavy labor or intense activity is out of the question.� The apothecary said. �So no pulling our wagon, noted. We can travel on foot for a while.� Rex shrugged, �Not going anywhere anytime soon either.� �She probably won�t go too far without regular breaks.� The apothecary added, �Anyway she�s looking a lot better than when you first brought her to me. I don�t expect there to be any permanent damage, but she certainly came close to losing that leg. If you�re going to take her into a fight, try to be more careful. I�ll admit she�s quite the durable beast, but that can only go so far.� �We�ll be more careful the next time. We had some�unexpected encounters while dealing with the goblins. It took us all by surprise.� Rex said. �Yeah, we got caught way off guard.� Nirra confirmed. �Good, a beautiful creature like this deserves a long life. Not one cut short by foolishness.� The Apothecary said as she finished her task, �For now, she just needs rest. And now that she�s awake I have a recommended meal list to help her recover.� �I�ll give it a look over hopefully she won�t be too picky.� Rex said as he was then handed a list, �She likes to hunt her own food.� �Well, a natural diet is better than what I�ve seen some people feed their animals.� The old woman remarked, �I�ll be back just before evening to change the bandages and poultices. It�s not necessary right at this moment. And I have other patients to visit.� �Of course, and thank you.� Rex nodded as he let her out of the room. ��What in the fuck happened to me?� Dust asked, �I must�ve really gotten worked over if I almost lost a leg!� �The goblins had a couple of cave trolls under their control.� Rex explained, �They got some good hits on you, but you tore them apart.� �Cave trolls? �Wow.� Dust said in awe. �Oh yeah, roaring forges it was something else!� Nirra agreed. �I can only imagine.� Dust nodded slowly, �I still have no recollection of any of it though.� �Then I�ll tell you all about it!� Nirra grinned. �I�m going to get some food.� Qildor said, �I already lived through this. I don�t need the reminder.� �Go ahead, have some food sent up for us too please.� Rex said. �For all three of you?� The elf asked. The human nodded to him before sitting down on the nearest bed. Qildor just nodded his head and left. �Right so, here�s how things happened.� Nirra said as she sat down on the floor next to the giant weasel. Eight days ago, in the sewers� �Alright, looks like they�re coming to us instead. We�ll hold them here.� Rex said as he stopped and held his sword at the ready, �Let none of them past. We�ll carve our way through them.� �Right.� Nirra agreed, �Let them come. We�ll put em all down.� �Qildor, care to light the stage?� Rex asked, �Dust announce our arrival.� �Gladly.� Qildor said as he thumped his staff on the floor. Balls of flame ignited in the air lighting up the immediate area. �How do I do that?� Dust asked. �Roar I guess.� Nirra offered. �Oh, I can do that!� Dust said excitedly. The giant weasel stepped forward and inhaled deeply before unleashing the loudest roar she could. RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!!!! The giant weasel�s voice reverberated down the tunnel, echoing loud and clear. Making it very clear to the goblins that they weren�t the only ones down in the sewers. It clearly did something as the sounds grew louder and angrier. Loud chittering and snarling could be heard, along with the clanging of weapons. In moments there was a swarm of several dozen goblins charging into view. Armed with clubs, crude swords, daggers, even spears and bows! They were armed and ready for a fight. �Take them down!� Rex yelled as he charged forth. �YEAAAAAAH! Back to the ground with ya!� Nirra yelled as she joined him. Qildor raised his staff and started throwing out bolts of flame at the goblins, covering Rex and Nirra�s blindsides. The goblins wasted little time themselves and went on the attack as well. Attempting to swarm the group with their numbers. Nirra laughed as she crushed goblin skulls with ease, every swing of her mace spelling death to the horrid creatures. She was enjoying this, a welcome shift from their last monster encounter. And a nice workout for her shield arm too! The dwarf blocked a short blade with her shield and then bashed the offending goblin with it. She didn�t stay put for long, pushing forward with every swing of mace and shield. �Die you festering boils! Die!� Nirra yelled. Rex for his part was handling the goblin swarm without much fanfare. Using quick clean strokes of his sword, severing heads and limbs effortlessly. Throwing in the occasional punch or kick, easily sending goblins flying. The human took full advantage of his longer reach to cut his way through several goblins at once. Leaving a bloody path of carnage in his wake. �Don�t let them get past!� He exclaimed, �Take down every single one of them!� Qildor continued throwing out bolts of fire at the goblins that did get past Rex and Nirra. Burning the foul creatures to cinders, the elf changed up tactics and pointed his staff at a cluster of goblins. �Fry you, putrescent abominations!� Qildor yelled with disgust. A bolt of lightning shot out from his staff, arcing across the goblins he�d set his sights on. They all screamed and convulsed as they were cooked from the inside out by the powerful current of electrical fury. Qildor kept it up until they were reduced to smoldering piles of ash. The elf was quick to move on to fresh targets, more goblins seemed to be coming from the tunnel ahead. �There seems to be a lot more than anticipated Rex!� Qildor called out. �I noticed, keep up the pressure!� Rex called back. The swarm of goblins was in fact getting denser as more of the vile creatures came rushing into the fray. Rex and Nirra had to start back peddling as the swarm grew. Even Qildor had to back up and switch over to ice spells to avoid hitting the human or dwarf. The goblins took advantage of every step back, pressing in closer. Soon they started getting some hits in. Cutting and bruising the trio as they were close to being overrun. �This isn�t looking good!� Nirra was getting worried. �Don�t give up!� Rex called. �Where is that damnable animal?!� Qildor demanded. He got a lot more than he asked for. RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!!!! The goblins all stopped dead in their tracks, silence following the loud echoes of such a rage fueled roar. All eyes suddenly turned to face the source. ��Dust?� Nirra asked with worry. The giant weasel was breathing heavily, eyes bloodshot, drool dripping from her open maw. An expression of raw untamed rage and aggression on her muzzle. RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRR!!!!! She roared again and stomped forward. The goblins panicked, chattering loudly as they rushed at the enraged animal. They ignored Rex, Nirra, and Qildor entirely, focusing all their might and numbers on the much bigger threat. Dust wasted little time, raising a paw high before crushing the first goblin in reach. SQRUNCH! She snarled and swiped at several more, disemboweling them with her sharp claws. It didn�t do much to deter them, as the goblins jumped and piled on her. Quickly burying her in bodies. �Dust!� Nirra yelled. �Don�t.� Rex warned, holding up a hand before the dwarf could move, �That�s not Dust. That�s�something else.� �What�re you talking about?� Nirra asked confused. �He�s right, that�s not a thinking being. Just a savage wild beast.� Qildor chimed in. Almost immediately, goblins were sent flying as the weasel shook and threw them off. She seemed alright, save for a few cuts and gashes. Dust ignored it all and just went after the goblins, ignoring everything else. Crushing them under paw, or against the walls and floor with just her sheer body weight. Those were the lucky ones. The giant weasel clawed through even more of them, rending limbs and innards from the goblins, splattering blood and gore in all directions. It was an awesome sight to behold. Nirra was speechless as the carnage went on. Qildor was quick to erect a basic protective barrier around the trio. Keeping the gore from covering them as well. Dust was quickly covered in it though, her light brown fur was stained crimson, bits of goblin clinging to her form as she continued her mindless path of goblin slaughter. Heads rolled, limbs flew, blood sprayed. A horrific display of one-sided carnage, no matter what the goblins threw at her. She just powered through it all with raw feral strength. They jumped on her, stabbed her, cut her, some even shot her with arrows. It didn�t even slow her down; it only seemed to fuel her rage instead! �Gods�� Rex was quite disturbed. He�d seen much in his life, but this�this was a whole new chapter in carnage. Nirra felt sick as she watched it all play out. Sure, she had no love lost for goblins. But this seemed so brutal, so raw, she started to pity the creatures. Qildor remained stoic, but his complexion seemed to pale at the sight. For all his taunting and insults, he�d never expected a domesticated animal to be so vicious and wild. RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWRRRR! Dust roared as she crushed more goblins under paw. Chomping the creatures in half, or biting down before shaking them apart like chew toys! She was even outright eating them when she had the opportunity! Chewing them to pieces before swallowing the remains. Some goblins were even unfortunate enough to be swallowed alive! Chomped down on and swallowed before they could so much as scream. The giant weasel was whittling down their numbers with terrifying efficiency. The goblin swarm was dwindling, but still not going down without a fight. Getting hits in whenever they had the opportunity. FWOO-BOOOM! A fireball shot out from the darkness and exploded in heat and light near the giant weasel. She immediately dropped the half dead goblin from her jaws and growled loudly. A trio of goblins appeared, carrying long bone covered sticks, and garbed in skull helmets and fur pelts. �There�s three shamans?!� Qildor exclaimed, �That�s unusual.� �Very, we should get involved now.� Rex said. �Rex behind you!� Nirra yelled. �Wha-� The human turned quickly. WHAM! Rex was sent flying as the low-level barrier around them shattered; he�d barely had enough time to block the big heavy club that swung at him. Still, it was enough to send him crashing into the tunnel wall. �There�s two of them! What�re cave trolls doing down here?� Nirra exclaimed as she rushed to Rex�s side. The two beasts in question were easily two meters in height, thick with muscle and scraggly fur, armed with heavy clubs, and simple loincloths. Three eyed faces staring down at the trio with murderous hunger. �I suspect those collars on their necks are the cause.� Qildor said as he prepared a fire spell, �Those shamans must be controlling them.� The two trolls were indeed also wearing thick metal collars around their necks, covered in glowing runes. �Since when could goblin shamans do that?� Nirra asked. �Questions for later, let�s focus on taking them down.� Rex said as he forced himself to his feet. �No small feat, even with fire magic.� Qildor said, �One is enough of a problem.� �Less talk, more fire!� Nirra yelled, �Let�s put these buggers to the forge!� The dwarf rushed at the trolls and started wailing on them with her mace. Rex joined in with slashes from his sword. They weren�t that surprised that the inflicted wounds were mending themselves quickly. Trolls were a pain to deal with since they could easily out heal most damage. They both backed off quickly, letting Qildor unleash a cluster of fire spells at the trolls. It would at least slow down their healing. Hopefully enough to let Rex and Nirra wear them down. �We�ll focus on them one at a time.� Rex said, �Nirra take out the legs, I�ll go for the head. Qildor, can you keep the other one occupied?� �On it.� The elf nodded quickly and backed off, throwing out more fire spells at the other troll. The plan worked, keeping both trolls separated and distracted. Meanwhile Dust was occupied with the shamans. The shamans were well coordinated; one was focused solely on shielding the trio with a magic barrier. The other two were directly controlling the two trolls. Not that it deterred the dire weasel much. Dust clawed and pounded on the barrier with all her weight and strength, snarling and growling as she tried to get at the magic proficient goblins. She wasn�t slowing down at all, keeping up the assault in spite of her increasing wounds. Even ignoring the few remaining goblins, just casually throwing them aside without thought. The shaman in charge of the barrier was starting to show signs of strain. Dust�s assault on the barrier was wearing on the goblin. In fact, cracks were starting to form, causing the goblin to panic. It chattered loudly, drawing attention from the other two. One of the other two directed the cave troll under its control to deal with Dust. The troll Qildor was dealing with suddenly proceeded to ignore his fire attacks and march right for the weasel. �Dust!� The elf yelled. The weasel either ignored him, or simply didn�t hear. In moments the troll was behind her and swung his club hard. WHAM! The club struck Dust from the left, crushing her left foreleg instantly. The force of the blow was enough to send her crashing through a weakened portion of the sewer wall. Burying her in old bricks. Then the troll turned his sights on Qildor. �Oh hells�!� The elf exclaimed while taking several steps back. The troll loomed over him as it raised the club high, fully intending on crushing him. Qildor froze up in that moment, he�d been reckless with his magic and was close to empty. And the troll was too close for fire magic. He was in serious trouble! RRRRAAAAWR! The troll stopped short as a sudden blur latched onto the beast. It was Dust! The weasel wasn�t out of the fight quite yet. Immediately latching onto the troll�s throat, biting and tearing at it. The troll growled and grabbed at Dust, trying to pull her off. She just dug in deeper with her fangs and claws, spraying blood everywhere. The troll roared and struggled to get her off, worsening its wounds in the process. The rage fueled weasel didn�t relent, literally chomping her way through the troll�s thick neck. She was outpacing the troll�s regenerative abilities even! In moments the troll started to weaken from the sheer blood loss, gagging and choking before collapsing. The giant weasel managed to bring down the troll, biting its head off entirely! The troll was dead in brutal fashion, body spasming in death throes. Dust stood on the corpse, utterly soaked in blood now. Her left foreleg dangling uselessly, utterly shattered. Qildor sighed with some relief, much as he was irritated by her existence, she was still handy to have around. Until her gaze turned to him that is, he immediately tensed up seeing the feral glare in her eyes. �Dust� I know we don�t exactly tolerate each other well. But this is rather excessive, no?� Qildor said nervously. Dust was staring at him, yet there wasn�t an ounce of recognition. Just a feral animal eying up prey. Qildor was worried she would maul him just as easily as she had the troll. But luckily (for him) she quickly turned around and launched another attack at the shamans. Roaring with fury as she assaulted their barrier. The elf dropped to his hands and knees breathing heavily, he�d been holding his breath without realizing it. Quickly forcing himself back into a more composed state, standing back up with his staff for support. The elf could only stand there and stare at Dust as she assaulted the shamans� barrier. It was bordering on unnatural how the weasel focused all her energy on getting at the shamans. And how was she still going? Given the severity of her wounds, she shouldn�t even be able to keep this up! Qildor was so focused on what she was doing he failed to catch sight of a couple of goblins. They quickly jumped on his back with crude daggers. �Vile scum!� Qildor yelled out in surprise as he threw one of them off. The other managed to stab him in the back several times in quick succession. �Gaahh!� The elf yelled in pain before finally throwing the second one off, �BURN!� Qildor managed to jump back and fried the goblins with a flame spell, using up everything he had left in his frustration. The elf panted as he stared at the smoldering ash pile. �Qildor, we need you!� Rex yelled. �I�m out of mana!� Qildor called back quickly as he saw Rex and Nirra still fighting with the other troll. Both of them were in pretty rough shape, battered and bruised as they avoided swings from the troll. �Break out a scroll, we can�t keep pace with this thing while it�s under control.� Rex yelled, �Take it out in one shot!� �Get clear!� Qildor dug into his pocket and pulled out a scroll, �At least I don�t need mana for these. EXPLOSION!� Qildor pointed at the troll with his pointer and pinkie fingers, burning up the scroll in his hand. A softball sized orb materialized as the paper burned away, before shooting right at the troll. Rex quickly grabbed Nirra and dove out of the way. �Put me down!� Nirra protested at being picked up. FWOOO-BOOOOOM! The orb struck the troll at high speed and exploded like a barrel of gunpowder, kicking up smoke and heat for a few long seconds. When it cleared there was just the hips and legs of the troll left, the entire upper body completely gone. It wasn�t going to regenerate from that much damage, much like the other one that had its head chewed off and the resulting exsanguination from said damage. With the troll now dead, the trio could get a breather. �Damn those things are a lot tougher under mind control.� Rex panted. �Extremely, the goblins seem to be dealt with as well.� Qildor agreed with a wince, �Got quite a few good hits in though.� �If I told you once, I�ve told you many times! Don�t pick me up without my permission! I�m not some plaything!� Nirra yelled at Rex. �Should I have let you get caught in the blast?� Rex asked. Nirra huffed and glanced away, nursing her shield arm, �Wait�where�s Dust?� AAAAAAARRRRGH! The trio turned in shock at the shrill shriek. They rushed towards the source and were met with a shocking sight! Dust had managed to breech the shamans� barrier; the giant weasel was busy swallowing one of the shamans whole! The other two were missing from sight, presumably already consumed by the rabid animal. The shaman screamed and struggled, thwacking Dust with its staff. But she didn�t stop, in moments she�d swallowed the goblin entirely! The weasel growled and looked around, as if seeking more victims for her rampage. Then her gaze zeroed in on the trio. �Shit� Dust that�s enough, the fight is over.� Rex said in a calm tone. �Yeah Dusty, we won!� Nirra chimed in. Dust didn�t listen, instead glaring at them as she limped closer. She was covered in cuts and stab wounds. Her left foreleg dangled as she limped, small blades and arrows were sticking out of her hide. And most disturbing of all, she was absolutely soaked in blood. Not an ounce of clean fur on her, every inch covered in blood and bits of gore. She was even frothing at the mouth at this point. The giant weasel limped closer as the trio dared not to move and provoke her. Dust snarled as she forced her body to leap at the trio, claws and fangs ready to rend and tear. �Scatter!� Nirra yelled. Rex and Qildor dove to the sides, and Nirra dove under Dust as she crashed to the floor behind them. Dust slid along the floor for a moment, growling as she struggled to get back up. But it seemed that her body had finally had enough, the giant weasel immediately collapsed back to the ground. She started twitching and spasming, making horrible choking sounds. �Dust!� Nirra yelled as she rushed over, injuries be damned. �It has to be the toxins. Nirra give me a hand.� Rex said as he rushed over and pulled out a vial, �Hopefully an Anti-Toxin will at least buy some time. Get her mouth open.� �Right.� Nirra nodded as she cradled Dust�s head and forced her jaws open, �Hurry!� Rex didn�t waste any time as he popped open the vial, and jammed his fist down the weasel�s throat. Forcing Dust to choke down its contents. �Qildor ready a couple of teleportation scrolls, and get her to an apothecary.� Rex said as he pulled his hand free with the empty vial, Nirra let go of Dust�s jaws at the same time. The giant weasel�s convulsions seemed to slow down somewhat as the potion kicked in. �Why me?� Qildor asked as if he were offended. �Because you�re out of mana. Nirra and I can get deeper and look for the missing people. Resistance should be light at this point.� Rex said with absolute seriousness, �I don�t care how feel you about her, just make sure she gets out of this alive.� ��Right, here.� Qildor handed Rex a scroll after muttering some words into it, �It�ll take you right to the Inn. Both of you better come back alive.� �Don�t worry, we won�t leave you all alone with Dust.� Nirra smirked tiredly. �Now get going.� Rex said, �Come on Nirra, let�s hurry.� �Right.� Nirra nodded. Qildor sighed as they both rushed deeper into the sewers, unrolling another scroll to get him and Dust back to street level. Now� �After that we found the missing people. Mostly intact, just be glad you weren�t there for that.� Nirra explained as she finished her tale, �Qildor managed to get the Apothecary in time. And we�ve just been waiting for you to wake up since.� �I am so, so sorry.� Dust said quietly, �I don�t know what came over me. I literally don�t remember anything! I�m sorry for trying to attack you all, and for getting myself hurt so badly.� �It�s not your fault.� Rex said, �It was your first real proper fight. Between the adrenaline and all those toxins that ended up in your system? Not a big surprise that you lost yourself.� �Yeah, happens to the best of us.� Nirra said, �Don�t feel guilty about it. Just focus on getting better.� �Once you�re fit, we�ll get some proper training in. Brute force only goes so far.� Rex said as he got up to leave, �We�ll check in on you a bit later.� �Right, serious training would be vital for me. So, I don�t end up like this again. Or dead.� Dust agreed. Nirra nodded in agreement with the sentiment, finally getting up to leave. Dust watched her leave�before an idea struck her. She called out to the Dwarf before she could leave. �Nirra�can you do me a favor?� �Yeah? Whatcha need?� Nirra asked as she stopped to look at the giant weasel. �Can you teach me to read and write?� Dust asked, �I�ve a lot to learn and I want to start with essential basics.� �I can teach you how to read easily enough.� Nirra nodded, �But why writing?� �I want to keep a journal for myself. Organize my thoughts, make notes of things.� Dust smiled and stuck her tongue out at the Dwarf, �You know civilized things.� Nirra laughed as she approached her furry friend. The Dwarf gave her some nice scratches behind the ears. Earning her a pleased if strained rumbling from Dust. �Sure thing. We can start tomorrow if you feel up to it.� Nirra smiled, �Just get some rest now, okay? I�ll be back shortly with a hot meal for you, Qildor probably forgot.� �Thank you Nirra, I really appreciate it.� The weasel nodded slowly as she leaned up and gave Nirra a lick across the face. �Hey, hey enough of that, you�ve thanked me plenty already. Not that the weasel kisses aren�t appreciated.� Nirra laughed as she gently pushed Dust�s snout away, �Besides you�re in no shape for moving like that either.� �Sorry,� The giant weasel winced as she settled back down. Nirra just chuckled and shook her head on her way out. Dust watched the door shut behind the Dwarf, leaving her alone. Now alone Dust let out a deep, heavy sigh as she did her best to get comfortable. Shutting her eyes with a relaxed smile, feeling warm and safe. Dust still had a long recovery ahead of her, she was in no shape for anything remotely strenuous. The giant weasel winced and yawned as exhaustion crept back in, eight days of sleep wasn�t nearly enough for her. �It�ll be nice to have a journal again.� Dust thought to herself as she faded back into the grasp of sleep, �Just like when I was little�� A short time later, Nirra returned with some hearty stew, hot and fresh from the kitchen�but by the time she returned Dust was already deep asleep once again. Nirra just smirked and set the bowl down next to Dust�s head. �She�ll be hungry when she wakes up.� The Dwarf thought to herself, �Rest while you can Dusty.� Nirra smiled as she quietly left, leaving Dust to sleep and heal. Soon the dire weasel would have her work cut out for her. Even sound asleep, she knew it. Rex wasn�t going to go easy on her.