> Kelly PoV

The leg plates are stuck or bent and won't move properly!

Some are still okay but most of them are busted. The dragon’s thrashing was effective after all.

I hate to do this, but it beats dying.

Abandon ship!

Scrappy's steel wire mesh underneath the plates is dismantled.

The armor falls apart but I successfully separate from the dragon.

I feel that invisible force on my body again and slow down.

Ellie's got me!

Since I'm lighter now, she easily carries me over to her and the others.

The former dragon-

Or is it former 'former dragon'?

-crashes with a loud sound behind me.

Ellie gently sets me down.

Feeling the solid ground feels so nostalgic right now.

I throw my fists up in the air and scream with all my might!

"HAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAA!

TAKE THAT YE GIANT BONY CUNT!

LET THAT BE A LESSON TO YA!

MESS WITH ME AND I'LL BASH YER FECKIN' 'EAD IN, MATE!

YEEEAAAaaaahhh...."

With the rush wearing off, I pass out.

* * *

I'm lying in a... hard bed?

"SCRAPPEEEH!"

I scream myself awake.

"Scrappy? Where's Scrappy?!"

I look around in a rush.

"Who's Scrappy?"

"Gah!"

I didn't notice, but Ellie was in the room.

Wait, room?

Ah, we're back at the rest stop.

"That, I mean, Scrappy is- sorry, was, my armor golem. Now poor Scrappy is simply scrap."

I shake my head. That's right, I had to leave poor Scrappy behind.

“Awww, I was really looking forward to your show…”

I see, it’s not just me, she’s sad too. I can hardly blame her, Scrappy was quite excellent.

Well, the 5th generation held up for almost 8 months.

Time to redouble my efforts with the 6th!

*SLAM*

"Kelly!"

"You okay? We heard a scream!"

Bart and Red rush in through the door.

"Ah, yeah I'm okay."

They calm down a bit.

* * *

"So... what do we do about the contract?"

"His Lordship will probably pay up, he has no choice in the matter.

But we failed the actual objective so he's going to be angry."

Bart explains with a glum expression.

"Oh my, then what shall I do with this?"

Red flashes a bright smile and holds up something.

It's a beautiful green ring. The setting is shaped like a bearded dragon coiling around the drop-shaped yellow gemstone.

My gut tells me this ring and that bone dragon are connected somehow.

Bart’s eyes go wide. This is what His Lordship wanted huh?

"Finding lost things is an adventurer's specialty, you know? Maybe His Lordship simply needs to put up a request. Surely some capable individuals will take him up on it."

What is she saying? This is blackmail, isn't it?

"H-how? Then.. why?"

Bart is stupefied. Well, I'm no better though.

I close my hanging jaw quickly.

"My, didn't His Lordship say it himself? Ellie is the best scout in the city."

So she got it while doing the initial scouting?

Then why did we even bother with-

Oh right, the request was to clear out the monster hole wasn't it?

"HAH! You girls never cease to amaze me you know?"

Red giggles lightly in response while Ellie gives a nod.

"You know, you're pretty extraordinary yourself, Kelly."

Bart turns to me all of a sudden

"First there's that unique armor concept. Then that reckless bravery and resourcefulness.

Also, I honestly had no idea you were a woman."

Ah, it happened again.

"Don't worry about it."

My armor is bulky and makes my voice weird. I don't act girly at all and I'm pretty strong.

So people assume I'm a man.

A few ladies who saw my gallant figure even asked me out, but I obviously can’t accept that.

I’m not like those two weirdos from Runetap that are getting mar-

Wait.

Oh? Oh! OHHHHH!

Oh.

"*Cough* It's a sudden question but...

Are Ellie and Red getting ma-married?"

I ask the completely ludicrous question.

But as expected-

"Why yes! Do we look THAT madly in love?

Fufufufu, it's in about a month you know?

Ahhhnnnn I honestly can't wait!"

Red starts fidgeting and making weird noises, causing Bart to recoil slightly.

So it's that after all. Well, it's none of my business.

"So in the end, what about my payment?"

I ask again since Bart didn't give a straight answer.

"Ah, right. I'll make personally sure the amount is paid in full."

He promised as such, got up and left the room.

"By the way Kelly, what're you going to do now?"

Red asks after finally snapping out of... whatever that was.

"I gotta finish Scrappy The Sixth, it's about halfway done. It's going to be pricey, but this contract should be enough to finish it."

"So, any chance I can hire you?"

"... what?"

"Are you interested?"

My problem is I don't want to be near this person right now.

I feel a bit creeped out with her behavior today.

Well, the least I can do is...

"I'll hear you out."

"[Black Flame]'s team base needs a guard."

A guard? That's a bit of a mundane request.

"Also, our friend Nano needs an assistant. Nano's an engineer and works a lot with golems, much like you."

Oh, a kindred soul huh? That could be a mutually beneficial relationship!

"We'll provide a regular salary."

Salary is attractive. Having a bit of stability would be good.

"Your services may also be needed in the field with us. You don't have to sign on with the guild if you don't want to."

Well, that's a bit of a sticking point, I don't rea-

"We can also provide rare materials."

"SOLD!"

Crap, I blurted it out!

"Well then, since you approve we'll smooth out the details later."

Damn, she roped me into it.

But I shall not go back on my word, otherwise I’m finished as a mercenary.

Besides, if she's telling the truth it might be very good indeed. I want to meet this Nano first, but somehow I doubt that will happen.

"Also, this is a separate request, but please come to our wedding !"

Geh!

I think I'd much rather fight another dragon.

End of Act Two - Rolling Thunder

AN: Howdy folks, this is most of what I have pre-typed. Releases will slow down a bit.

There's still a lot of things I want to put our girls through, so I'll be doing my best!

Also it's my first time writing fiction, so any criticism is appreciated.