Predator: The Ultimate Hunt

Chapter Six - Hidden Ally

Hours have passed since their encounter with the Predators. As instructed by Dark Ace, the group set up a defensive perimeter around their position. When it was complete, they waited. When the sun went down, Pyrrha sat by the fire. Her mind was troubled by what she experienced. She looked and saw the Hound polishing his sword away from the fire. 

Pyrrha: You should get closer to the fire. It's cold. 

The Hound: I'll be fine. 

Pyrrha: But Sandor....

The Hound: I'll be fine! I don't like fire!

The Hound's outburst was a mixture of fear and frustration. Despite the Hound's personality, she had never heard the fear that was in his voice. It reminded her of Jaune. It didn't take long for her to piece together what was up. 

Pyrrha: Your face....that was from a fire wasn't it?

The Hound was silent at her conclusion. Though it was obvious that the burn on his face was from a fire, it was how it got there that caught her curiosity and concern. As for the Hound, he simply lets out a chuckle. 

The Hound: You already knew that. You're a smart girl. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. 

Pyrrha: Someone did it to you....

Upon hearing that, the Hound remained silent. The last time someone was this curious about his past was Arya. Despite that moment being a source of pain, the Hound felt comfortable telling Pyrrha what happened. 

The Hound: I....I had a brother. HE gave me this. When we were kids, I was playing one of his toys and he thought I was stealing it. Without saying a word, he pressed my face against the fire like a nice juicy mutton. 

Upon hearing this, Pyrrha was deeply shock and saddened by this. To hear that someone would do this to his own brother was inconceivable. 

The Hound: The pain was bad. The smell was worse. The worst part of it all was that it was my brother who did it. When our father found out, he protected him by saying that my bed caught fire. From that point out, everyone in the Seven Kingdoms loved and feared my brother. He was the Mountain That Rides. 

As Pyrrha heard this story, she couldn't help but shed a few tears for Sandor. 

Pyrrha: That's.....that's horrible. Back home.....I was held on a pedestal. To them, I was the Invincible Girl. I hated it. I was isolated because everyone thought I was above them. Few people actually saw me as an actual person. While I've never dealt with what you dealt with, I understand. 

The Hound held a newfound respect for Pyrrha. Hearing that reminded him too much of Arya. Out of respect for her, the Hound got closer to the fire and wiped a tear from Pyrrha's eye. 

The Hound: Don't cry Little Bird. Don't cry on my account. 

Pyrrha then hugged the Hound. He lets out a sigh as he sheathes his sword. Meanwhile, Dark Ace met with Cormac and Cad Bane. 

Dark Ace: Anything?

Cormac: Nothing. It's been quiet. 

Cad Bane: They may be waiting for us to move out. 

Dark Ace: Or maybe waiting for us to drop our guard. 

Dark Ace looked to the wilderness beyond the perimeter they set up. To him, it was death. Knowing what was out there, Dark Ace kept his weapon ready at all times. Meanwhile, Hidan approached the campfire. He was thinking his circumstances. 

Hidan: I can't wait to be off this fucking rock! When I get back home, I'm gonna find whoever put me in that whole and take my fucking time sacrificing him to Lord Jashin!

The Hound: I couldn't care less about your plans. As long as you're away from me, I have no fucking problem! 

Hidan ignores the Hound's comment as he fantasized about what he was going to do. As Dark Ace inspected the area, he heard a noise in the distance. Upon hearing that, everyone got on their feet and had their weapons ready. 

Cormac: Everyone be ready! 

???: Turn around......turn around.....

The voice was nowhere to be seen. Everyone became tense as the voice grew closer and closer. 

Hidan: Where the fuck are you?! Come out so I can fucking kill you?! 

Cad Bane: Shut up! You're giving away our position! 

Dark Ace looked around the immediate area. As he did, he saw a disturbance of light moving in front of him. The figure then uncloaked revealing a large Gargoyle wearing a Predator mask. Everyone was stunned at this sight. He towered over them like a deity. 

Dark Ace: What the hell are you?

Gargoyle: If I can hear you, so can they. You're all loud. 

Upon that, everyone was confused. Despite this, everyone kept their guard up. Thunder soon rumbled in the background. 

Gargoyle: Storm's coming. You don't want to be out here when it comes. Follow me.

At first, everyone was hesitant to follow the Gargoyle. They had no idea of his intentions or even  who he was. Pyrrha then approached him. 

Pyrrha: Who....who are you?

Gargoyle: I am Thailog. I'm the one that got away. Now we must hurry. They're coming. 

Dark Ace: Very well then. Lead the way. 

Everyone had their concerns about this, but they soon saw that they had no other choice. Thailong for now was an ally in the world. The group had no choice but to follow Thailog back to his hideout where they could hopefully learn a way to escape.