A few hours later, they all gathered around the villagers. Saphir had gone back to the Miss Love Duck to have a check-up. While Saphir said she was alright, Ben insisted for her to go. Saphir nodded.
Mikita, Honey, Nojiko, Vivi, Robin, Raki, Marianne,and Hina had gathered with Ben. They had brought the villagers with them. Some of them looked worse than others however Izaya, Maya`s grandmother said they will be fine over time.
Ben nodded and said if they needed help to let them know. Alvida, Zala, Tashigi sat near the Shrine which Alvida protected. "Are you all okay?" Ben asked.
"We are fine," Mikita responded.
"Conis took a hit or two so Kaya is checking her right now," Nojiko replied.
"She was very strong and brave," Marianne responded.
"By herself took a fishmen down," Vivi added.
"She has not fought before so she is a bit rusty," Raki said.
"She still is very brave and I am proud of her, proud of all of you, I will go and check on her, Saphir is also there," Ben replied.
"Good thinking my love," Alvida commented.
"Ben, the Willy Pirates have been destroyed," Nojiko reported.
"We sank their ship," Raki added.
Ben thought sinking a pirate`s ship was a big deal in this world. It is their home. "Good job all," Ben congratulated.
"We also took down the JellyFish Pirates," Mikita added.
"They were working with the Willy Pirates to sell the villagers to the underworld," Robin explained.
"Underworld?" Zala asked.
"They talked about Organ dealers," Mikita said.
"We should keep an eye out. We are on their radar however I know if they cause trouble, we will beat them," Ben said. He added, "I trust all your strength." They all smiled.
Saga, Bismarck and Boo Kong approached Ben and the girls. They all had bandages on them. Saga had white bandages wrapped around his chest. Bismarck's entire face was covered in bandages. Boo Kong had bandages all over his body. There was a group of Marines behind him.
"We are sorry for all the pain and trouble caused," Saga said. He bowed down.
"Thank you for breaking the curse," Saga added. He added, "Thank you also for saving the villagers." Saga thought it had happened again and they could have lost everything however this time they were saved. He looked at Tashigi who had the sword. There was something different about it now.
"No worries, you are good people and the curse is now broken," Ben replied. He looked at Tashigi and winked. She blushed and looked away. Hina thought something had happened.
"Hina will write a report on this," Hina remarked.
"You should give Tashigi credit for breaking the curse, and credit Saga and yourself for stopping the Willy Pirates and the Jellyfish Pirates," Ben said.
"But—" Saga began.
"We're still pirates," Robin interjected.
"It will be for the better," Ben assured him.
"Hina is not sure," Hina said, skepticism evident in her voice.
"We can't take credit," Tashigi protested.
"The world will believe a story about Marines fighting for their villagers. Trust us on this for now," Ben stated firmly.
"Okay," Hina and Tashigi responded. They both took it as an order from their Captain.
"Captain did say so," Mikita said.
"He is not," Tashigi said blushing. "We should make that report asap," she added. She pushed Hina.
"We will be here a day or two before we leave," Ben said as he waved them off. He thought he was making progress with Hina and Tashigi.
Saga looked at Ben. "We are indebted to you," Saga said as he took his leave with his Marines.
Izaya looked at them and said, "We are also in your debt." Maya bowed as well.
"Captain, you saved our village and broke the curse. As per our deal, I would like to join you," Maya said, bowing deeply.
Ben stood up and smiled. "I'm happy you're joining us," he replied. Maya returned his smile warmly.
"Time for the girls' talk," Alvida announced.
"They're always fun," Marianne chimed in.
"They sure are," Honey added.
"We should head back now," Alvida said, grabbing Maya's hand.
"Wait for us!" Zala called out as all the girls followed Alvida.
Ben watched them leave. He thought of heading back to check on Conis and Saphir.
"Young love," Izaya remarked. "You've stolen their hearts," she added.
"They've stolen mine," Ben replied.
Izaya sighed. "Even my little Maya isn't so little anymore. If you hurt her, I will hurt you," Izaya said.
"I will treasure her with my life," Ben promised with a warm smile.
"You better," Izaya warned.
Ben thought for a second. "There is one thing you can help me with," Ben said.
"What is that?" Izaya asked. "If you are asking me to join, I might be too told," she teased.
"Not that," Ben replied. "My crew has a dream of opening and running a cafe, a shop," Ben said. "I want to make their dream come true," he added. "Is there any open space or cafe shop?" Ben asked.
Izaya thought for a second. "There was a bar which closed down recently," Izaya replied.
"That is perfect, I will pay for it," Ben replied.
"It's the least we can do," Izaya replied as she walked away.
Ben transformed into his hybrid form and caught up to the girls who were boarding the Miss Love Duck. He landed on the deck.
"Welcome back Master," HQ greeted.
"No eavesdropping," Zala said.
"Yes my love, it is our time," Alvida smiled.
"I was going to say that there was another quest to work in a cafe," Ben replied.
"Cafe?" Vivi asked.
"Yes, Mikita to bake a cake, Conis, Raki, Zala to work there. Nojiko to wear a cat girl outfit as a mascot and Marianne to paint," Ben said.
"What a quest," Raki commented.
"Cat girl outfit," Nojiko said smiling but a bit embarrassed. "I will do it for the captain," she added,
"This was my dream," Mikita whispered.
"I have spoken to your gran, Maya and said she will arrange something for us which will pay for," Ben replied.
"Okay, I will lend my support as well," Maya replied.
"We all will my love," Alvida said.
"This sounds exciting," Marianne said.
"The quest is only for a day but it can be useful to bring revenue," Ben said.
"Like a money laundering front," Robin said.
"That is one way to put it," Ben said.
"It's time for girls to talk, my love, we will talk later," Alvida said as they went to the Dining Room.
Ben sighed and decided to walk down to the Medical Room.