The Eternal Imperium

Chapter 13: Kuo Kuana

Benn: "Land Ho!"

The midday sun hangs over the southern ocean as the small band of Huntsmen, along with Red and Benn. Red sits on the ship's railing as he watches the mass of land known as Menagerie grow closer and closer by the minute. Coco hops up on the rail next to him as Yatsuo leans on the rail.

Over their time traveling to Menagerie, the group has gotten to really experience the joys of a free life. Not bound by the responsibilities of being Huntsmen or the ever-hanging shadow of the Eternal Imperium. But truly free to enjoy life, even if it was only to experience a life at sea. This experience, however short, changed the young teens mentally and physically.

Coco's hair had grown slightly longer and had begun to become much more unkempt from the lack of hair product. Her usually paler skin had now become a golden to near-olive tone as her skin had plenty of exposure to the constant sunlight.

Coco: "Yeesh! Finally! The first thing I'm going to do is take a nice long bath."

Yatsuo: "I second that notion."

Red: "You'll hear no arguments from me."

Coco: "What about you, Red? Give any thoughts about joining up? Last chance."

Red: "Persistent as ever. But my answer remains what it has always been. No way."

Coco: "Aw, man. Whatever. I guess with who we brought with us, we probably won't need you that badly. But that semblance of yours could come in real handy."

Benn: "We'll be docking in the main settlement of Kuo Kuana. Behave yourselves. The people don't much like outsiders, but they won't kill you." He says from the wheel of the ship.

As the settlement of Kuo Kuana comes into view, the Huntsmen look on in awe, primarily because they haven't seen land in a month—more so other people. As the ship docks at the end of a pier, the ship is boarded by what appears to be White Fang, which surrounds the Huntsmen, preventing them from departing the vessel.

White Fang: "State your business. What purpose do you have for bringing Huntsmen to our shores?"

Benn: "Let me do the talking. *ahem* Greetings! We mean you no harm in any way. I am merely trafficking refugee Huntsmen from Vacuo. They seek a safe haven from the Imperium. You and your fellow people can relate." The soldiers seem to lower their guard somewhat as they realize the reason the Huntsmen are here.

White Fang: "Look. We all have been affected by the Imperium. But the settlement can only house so many."

Red: "How about this." Benn eyes Red as the former steps forward. "They're Huntsmen. Their whole gimmick is to protect innocent people and fight Grimm. These kids know how to fight, and I know that Menagerie can grow, but Grimm are stopping that. You let them stay. They kill the Grimm and allow your people to expand. In the end, everyone wins."

White Fang: "*sigh* Very well. But you'll have to take this up with the chieftess. She'll be the one to decide if they're useful or not. But until then, consider your ship impounded until proper orders are delivered."

The White Fang soldiers stand aside as the Huntsmen and two outlaws step off their ship and onto the dock of Kuo Kuana.

Yatsuo: "Quick thinking. I appreciate the help."

Red: "Meh. Wasn't anything too special?"

Benn: "Except my ship."

Red: "Quit being a baby. You'll get it back."