Ben always enjoyed talking to BB. He thought having her by his side right now would make things much easier. However, she had her own responsibilities and had promised to join him soon.
Rising from his seat, Ben glanced around. The lab was certainly high-tech, but like the one in Alabasta, it would be unmanned again. He knew he didn't have enough personnel for everything. He thought recruitment was essential, but the rules stipulated he could only recruit girls, which he found acceptable. Alvida and Sumi were bad influences on him or was it the other way round.
He walked to the door of the lab and exited. As he stepped outside, he noticed the sun setting. It was approaching evening, he thought. He realized he had spent quite a long time in the room, first with Honey and then with Alvida.
He saw Raki, Marianne and Robin talking together. Saphir and Conis were looking at the sun.
"Look who finally came out, pervert," Kaya remarked, standing near the door.
"She was the one who wanted to see you first and get a kiss," Nojiko joked.
"Okay," Ben replied, pulling Kaya into a hug and kissing her on the lips. Kaya kissed back, lifting her leg slightly. Ben slowly withdrew.
"I didn't want it," she said, though she remained in his arms.
"And why did you say that?" Kaya asked, flailing her arms.
Vivi smiled. "Nojiko, that was mean," she commented.
"It's not like this is the first time Ben has kissed us all," Nojiko said.
"No, but we shouldn't push," Vivi replied.
"She's right. I don't want to make you uncomfortable," Ben interjected. "I love you all," he added.
The girls felt their hearts skipped. "It's fine," Kaya quietly said.
"See?" Nojiko smiled as she pointed out.
Vivi sighed. "Did you talk to Sumi, Emma, Isla, Zara, Amelia, and Belo Betty?" she asked.
"Yes, they are doing well," Ben replied. He added, "Sumi seems excited about the Miss Love Maxima."
"I would think so. The fact that we can travel through the sky safely will be game-changing," Nojiko replied.
"It will be," Kaya agreed.
"I think it's time for us to leave," Ben stated. He looked around and thought with the defeat of Enel and the finding of the lab, and completing the quest, there was nothing else to do here.
"Okay, Captain," Nojiko replied.
"Everyone, Raki, Conis, we will be leaving soon," Ben ordered.
Raki and Conis nodded. "Okay, Captain," they both replied.
"Don't you want to say goodbye to your family or friends?" Ben asked.
"While you were in there, HQ took me to see my father," Conis replied. She had a smile on face. She thought her father was a bit sad for her to go but he acknowledged it was time for her to spread her wings. She thought the fire on her back was because of him. There was a fire in her heart.
"I went down and saw the tribe. They were recovering," Raki added. She thought about the fierce battle and the many casualties however it was over. Ben helped.
"And Wyper?" Ben asked.
"I couldn't see him; he wasn't there," Raki replied. "But he should be fine," she added.
Ben nodded. They all headed back onto the Miss Love Maxima. "It's time for us to leave," Marianne commented.
"It was nice here," Robin added.
"We'll be back later," Ben said.
"Hello Master," HQ greeted.
"Hi HQ, where are the rest of the girls?" Ben asked.
"Alvida, Honey, Zala, and Mikita are all resting in their rooms on the Miss Love Duck," HQ responded promptly.
"You took them down there?" Ben asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yes, Kaya also helped me," HQ confirmed.
"Thank you both," Ben said, a note of gratitude in his voice.
"Someone has to be responsible," Kaya commented, a slight smile playing on her lips. She put her hands on her hips.
"Maybe a reward is in there," Nojiko teased.
"Hey," Kaya said as she pouted.
"I want a reward," Marianne said.
Ben walked over. "Sure," Ben replied.
"Should we just fly down there and let Miss Love Maxima go on its own?" Vivi asked.
"That could work as well," Ben replied.
"Yes, that is a good idea," Saphir agreed.
"Who will go with Ben?" Robin asked. She had a smirk on her face. All the girls looked at each other.
"We can decide that later," Ben replied. He thought Robin was always throwing him into the fire. She just smiled.
"Master, I have set up the Miss Love Maxima for that mission. It will head to the Gold Island lab first," HQ reported.
"You did it without being at the helm?" Ben asked, his eyebrows raising in surprise.
"We are all connected," HQ replied.
"That sounds amazing," Vivi commented, her eyes wide with admiration.
They all exited the Miss Love Maxima. Ben transformed into his hybrid form and took Nojiko and Vivi. Kaya transformed into her beast form and took Marianne and Robin. HQ took Conis and Saphir. Raki transformed into her beast form.
"'Cockratice is stunning," Ben commented.
"She can transform," Vivi said.
"'You will too," Ben encouraged.
"We'll all help you," Nojjiko added.
They soared above the Miss Love Maxima, hearing its engine roar. The oars moved rhythmically as the ship rowed through the sky, gradually flying off into the distance.
"Bye," Marianne said as she waved to the Miss Love Maxima.
"I wonder when I will see it again," Saphir commented.
"Very soon," HQ replied.
"Let's go," Ben said. They all flew back to the Miss Love Duck and landed on the deck. "Let's sail out of here," Ben ordered.
They all nodded and headed to the Bridge. Nojiko sat down on the helm. She prepared the Miss Love Duck, by lowering the sails, raising the anchor. She pushed the lever forward and the Miss Love Duck started to move.
"We are moving," Conis said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and awe as she looked around.
"We are," Marianne agreed.
They drifted down the river and headed towards the exit.