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"Fair enough," he agreed, nodding. "An example, then. An' don't quote me on this, 'cause it's composed more of what I've personally witnessed than anythin'. But most of Natsumi's fear is because...well, I think the islander must 'ave changed too quickly, but she killed another islander an's now livin' loose in th' jungle. Sort of went feral, I suppose. She must not 'ave 'er chip anymore, either, or th' labs would 'ave more control over 'er."

He paused to gather his thoughts, then continued, "Anyway, not long back we 'ad this bonfire on th' beach, right? Big group of islanders. This wolf girl shows up, tears th' livin 'ell out of th' two islanders that jumped in to fight 'er, then Antony an' I set 'er on fire an' she ran off again. Natsumi's convinced that anyone 'oo's outside is goin' to get attacked by 'er, if not killed." His tone made it all too clear that he thought this completely irrational.

"Well put," he chuckled with her outburst. "Mm, I couldn't see Natsumi carryin' a knife around. She 'as 'er brave moments, but I don't think she realizes she can be brave until she 'as to be. She's terribly shy.... An' I don't think th' labs would stop you," he replied in reference to the knife question. "Provided you don't 'ave any malicious intentions. Self defense is perfectly understandable, though, after seein' Ambrose an' Jamal fight 'er, I doubt it would do you much good."

"That'd do," Thom replied, laughing aloud at the suggestion. At the very least, it would blind Annie long enough for one to climb a tree or something. Wolves couldn't climb trees, right? "Get me some while you're at it. An' see if th' labs'll give you a flamethrower. Natsumi might just feel safe with one."

"Pity, that. Sounds like settin' fire to th' jungle is out of th' question." Grinning, he shook his head as if discarding the idea, but the mention of the revolt spurred a new one. Continuing along the path at her side, he lowered his voice slightly, raising a brow. "Now, another bonfire is perfectly plausible... But it'd be difficult t' fine enough dry wood t' make anythin' sizable... Anythin' large enough t' be seen from out at sea, anyway."

"Oh, I don't doubt it," he assured her, voice back to its normal volume. "But it'd give 'em a nice scare, wouldn't you think?" He chuckled bitterly, glancing around the surrouding trees for any signs of cameras. "But they're 'ave a 'ard time explainin' a cloud of black smoke in th' middle of th' ocean. Someone would 'ave to come investigate. It can't just go unnoticed by th' world."

It was just a thought that occurred, and, even if they had seen the pontential and talked about making it happen, probably would have never gotten off the ground. Thom had said it more for her benefit than anything. She was new, she hadn't changed yet. She could still go home. He...wouldn't be going back. No one would believe him if he said who he was, and he would likely be locked up for experimentation by the government or some such. Not to mention, even if they did believe him, his leg would prevent him from going back to his old life.

Following her question, he spared her a glance, but was silent for a long while, debating over an answer. Finally, he shrugged, watching her out of the corner of his eye. "That it does. No point lyin' to you. It'll depend on 'ow big of a change it is, but it'll still 'urt. My second change was much worse than my first. But then, I lost 'alf a leg to it. With all luck, you won't 'ave to endure that."

"Knowin' what to expect makes it a bit worse, I'd think. I 'ave to lose another leg an' a 'alf before I'm done, not to mention 'oo knows what else. Can't say I'm lookin' forward to it." He grimaced at the thought, but avoided looking at what remained of his legs and plodded on down the path.

"Not really, no," he continued after a beat, shaking his head. "They give you an' injection to spur th' changes, but both times I've received it while I was sleepin'. It's 'ard to say 'ow long it takes to work, too. Th' first time, I woke up already changin'. The second, I went nearly a full day before anythin' 'appened."