The Shadow Hound: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter One - A Favor

At the Bounty Hunter haven known as Terra Tyros, all Bounty Hunters from all walks of life call this place their home. The laws of Sky Knights and Cyclonians have no place here. The Bounty Hunters of this place are held loosely together by a code of honor and respect towards one another. At a bar, the greatest of Atmosian Bounty Hunters known only as the Shadow Hound drinks alone when a man meets at his table.

Bounty Hunter: Hello Shadow Hound.

Shadow Hound: What do you want Koros?

Koros: The Great Hunt is upon us Shadow Hound. Bounty Hunters from all over Atmos are flocking to Terra Kyros for honor and glory.

Shadow Hound: Great for them. What does this have to do with me?

Koros: You are one if not the greatest Bounty Hunters in all of Atmos? How many times have you been champion of the Great Hunt?

Shadow Hound: Enough to get tired of it.

Koros took note of the Shadow Hound's statements. He somewhat anticipated this.

Koros: One of the Bounty Hunters participating is a man by the name of Tal Karr.

Shadow Hound: I heard of him. He's a rising star among the Bounty Hunters.

Koros: Tal Karr is a coward and a thug. He murders without conscience or honor. He fights only for wealth.

Shadow Hound: So do a lot of other Bounty Hunters. What's your point?

Koros: Our society follows the rules. We show honor and dignity. Especially during the Great Hunt. If Tal Karr is allowed to win, he will bring shame upon everything that we stand for.

Shadow Hound: Then why tell me this? The Great Hunt forbids Bounty Hunters from killing each other.

Koros: And you're right about that. But if two Bounty Hunters are competing for the same contract, then that rule is lifted.

Upon hearing this, the Shadow Hound became interested.

Shadow Hound: What are you getting at Koros?

Koros: Tal Karr intends to take on the contract against Baron Amon Gratham.

When Koros mentioned the name, the Shadow Hound grew even more interested. A smirk escaped his face from underneath his helmet.

Shadow Hound: You mean the top Cyclonian noble rumored to be immortal?

Koros: No Bounty Hunter has been able to collect the bounty on his head. All who seek it either give up or die. Karr no doubt intends to scheme his way through the Baron. You're probably the only Bounty Hunter in Atmos who could not only kill the Baron, but do it honorably.

The Shadow Hound took a moment to think on Koros's proposition. He knew full well of the reputation of Baron Gratham and his supposed immortality. He also knows that he's close in Master Cyclonis's inner circle.

Shadow Hound: Killing the Baron could ruffle the feathers of the Cyclonians. And Master Cyclonis is a fairly good client.

Koros: You have other clients. Some offer more than Cyclonis could ever hope to offer. Remember, not even the Cyclonians would dare attack Terra Tyros. Or else they face the wrath of every Bounty Hunter on Atmos.

Shadow Hound: You make some good points. But what's in it for you?

Koros: A combination of selfless and selfish reasons. Tal Karr has been a thorn in my side for quite some time. I'd kill him myself, but honor prevents me from doing so. The very same virtues I uphold, this pissant upstart mocks. Our society has no need of scum like him. So what do you say Shadow Hound? Will you earn honor and glory once more in the Great Hunt? Will you help cleanse our society of scum like Tal Karr?

The Shadow Hound took a moment. While he didn't care to involve himself with the politics of Terra Tyros, he saw the contract on Baron Amon Gratham as an opportunity for a challenge. If the rumors about the Baron were true, then this would be an interesting contract. As for the matter for Tal Karr, he hated Bounty Hunters only in it for the money. The Shadow Hound looked down on greed. While he was happy to take the reward off of a bounty, he was mostly in it for the challenges it may bring.

Shadow Hound: All right Koros. My trigger finger needs some exercise.

Koros: You're doing the right thing my friend. Our society will be better off without scum like Tal Karr. The Great Hunt will be honored to have you participating once again Shadow Hound.

The two Bounty Hunters grabbed a glass and poured themselves some whiskey.

Koros: For honor and glory.

Shadow Hound: To the Great Hunt.

The two men saluted one another as they drank from their glasses. When they finished their drink, they went straight back to business.

Shadow Hound: So when's it starting?

Koros: The initiation begins in a few hours. I would suggest that you prepare, but I would be wasting my breath.

Shadow Hound: You'd be right. That kind of talk might work on a rookie, but do I look like a goddamn rookie?

Koros chuckles at the Shadow Hound's humor.

Shadow Hound: I think it's time for me to take a contract. I imagine I'm gonna ruffle quite a few feathers.

Koros: I doubt they'll be a match for you my friend.

As the Shadow Hound exited the bar, Koros had full faith in the seasoned Bounty Hunter that he would succeed. The Shadow Hound finally saw a challenge worthy of his reputation. He would participate in the Great Hunt and complete a contract notorious for being impossible. The Shadow Hound intended to defy all expectations.