The Shadow Hound: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Twelve - The End Of The Great Hunt

After killing both Karr and Gratham, the Shadow Hound made his way back to Terra Tyros and to the Bounty Hunter Enclave where all the bounty hunters who participated in the Great Hunt were waiting as well as the Huntsmaster. 

Huntsmaster: The Shadow Hound has graces us with his presence! 

The Shadow Hound then tosses the Huntsmaster Gratham's ring. He then presents the Hunstmaster with the corpse of Gratham. The other Bounty Hunters then begin to murmur to themselves. 

Shadow Hound: The Immortal Baron proved to be mortal after all. 

Huntsmaster: You never cease to amaze me, Shadow Hound! All who took on this contract have come up empty handed. Yet here you are with the body of the Immortal Baron. 

Shadow Hound: Ran into some complications on the way, but it was nothing I could handle. 

Huntsmaster: You have proven yourself yet again that you are truly among the greatest bounty hunters in all of Atmos! It is my greatest honor that I proclaim you, the Shadow Hound, Grand Champion of the Great Hunt!

The other bounty hunters cheered as the Shadow Hound was crowned champion of the Great Hunt. After that, the Shadow Hound met with Koros at the bar. 

Koros: Shadow Hound. Congratulations on your victory in the Great Hunt. 

Shadow Hound: You won't have to worry about Tal Karr anymore. He's been taken care of. 

The Shadow Hound then hands Karr's pistol to Koros. Upon closer inspection, Koros confirms that this pistol indeed belongs to Karr. 

Koros: And the body?

Shadow Hound: Wasn't about to lug two bodies all the way to Terra Tyros. Gratham was the primary objective. 

Koros: I understand. The Great Hunt takes higher priority. As long as Tal Karr is dead, I will rest easy knowing that he will not shame our guild. 

The Shadow Hound: Let's just say Karr made killing him a hell of a lot more satisfying. I won't say anymore than that. 

Koros: I understand. Here is your payment, Shadow Hound. 

Koros then hands the Shadow Hound a large bag of coins. Upon closer inspection of the contents, the Shadow Hound is satisfied. 

Shadow Hound: Pleasure doing business with you.

After that, the Shadow Hound left the bar with his pay. Hours later, the Shadow Hound met with Finn on an isolated Terra away from any civilized Terra. The Shadow Hound took off his mask and spoke to his son as Johntyr.

Finn: Hey Dad.

Johntyr: Tal Karr and his thugs won't be bothering you or your team anymore. 

Finn: So what happens now?

Johntyr was silent for a moment. Up until this point, every job was nothing special. It was just a matter of moving on to the next job. But this job inadvertently reunited him with his son.

Johntyr: You could work with me, Finn. You're pretty good with that Energy Crossbow. You're a damn good shot. You could make a damn good bounty hunter. 

Finn took a moment to reflect on his father's offer. While he wanted to have his Dad in his life, he knew that the life of a bounty hunter wasn't for him.

Finn: I'm sorry Dad, but that life isn't for me. My life is with my squadron. It's been my dream to become a Sky Knight. 

Johntyr smiled as he places his hand on Finn's shoulder. The two shared a tender moment. 

Johntyr: You're just like your Mom, Finn. She did a damn good job raising you. I'm proud that you're my son. 

Finn: Thanks, Dad. 

Finn's decision to stay with the Storm Hawks would no doubt put them into odds as the life of a bounty hunter would no doubt clash with the ideals of a Sky Knight. Both Finn and Johntyr knew this. 

Finn: Just so you know Dad, if we face off, I'm gonna have to take you down. 

Johntyr: Heh. Don't be too sure about that. You may be a good shot, but you still got much to learn. 

Finn: Guess we'll see about that, will we?

Johntyr smiled despite the possibility of having to fight his own son. He was truly proud of Finn and the person Tyra raised. 

Johntyr: You're really are your Mom's son. You've shown better qualities than me. It's clear to both of us that Tyra raised a damn good man. Sure you might be brash and stubborn, but I was the same way when I was your age. We might be put into situations where we have to come to blows, but I want you to know something Finn. No matter what happens, I'll always be proud of you. You're my son and there isn't a goddamn thing that's ever gonna change that. You're my son and I will always love you. 

Finn: I love you too, Dad. 

For the first time in years, Johntyr and Finn hugged as father and son. After that, Johntyr and Finn prepared to leave. 

Johntyr: Before I forget, take these. 

Johntyr then tosses Finn a pair of dog tags. Finn was confused at this. 

Finn: Dog tags? 

Johntyr: Give those to your friend Piper. She'll know. 

What Finn didn't know was that Johntyr had given him the dog tags that belong to Piper's father. In that moment, Johntyr was offering an olive branch to Piper to make up for killing her parents all those years ago. Johntyr then puts on his helmet and departs the Terra. With this, the Shadow Hound would now continue living his life as he always has: as the most dangerous bounty hunter in all of Atmos.