They're Called "Sea"gulls {open}

[Ichiro Yoshi]

So what were they doing this far out? Hiro stared up, squinting as he tried to pick the fluttering white shapes out from amid the sea of grey above. The grey skies were actually something of a blessing; the gloomy, overcast weather meant that Hiro wasn't frying his eyeballs out attempting to stare into the sky. It did make picking out the flying white shapes just a little harder.

Hiro had originally come out here for some space. The lake was one of those peaceful areas, a section of the Estates that was mostly ignored. Which made it an excellent place to come if you wanted to be alone. Since Hiro happened to appreciate being alone more than most, that meant that he frequented the area. He'd brought his katanas, of course, and was now holding both in loose grips. He'd been halfway through practicing his forms when he heard the cawing noise of the birds overhead. Hiro knew he'd heard them from somewhere, and he was pretty sure that they matched gulls.

But what were gulls doing this far inland? Okay, admittedly nobody knew where exactly Tenebrae Estates was in the grand scheme of things. But generally you noticed if there was this big blue wet thing nearby. Plus, you know, weather. So what were the birds doing overhead?

"Definitely weird," muttered Hiro. Though, admittedly, not as weird as some of the stuff that had been happening lately. The cakes, for example. Hadn't that been fun? But gulls? Just... up there? Hiro looked up again. Wait, now they seemed to be... closer. Wait, was that one descending? It seemed to be... diving?

"oh crap," muttered Hiro. He stumbled back a step, just managing to lunge to the side as the bird dove. He scrambled into a sort of awkward roll, desperately trying to get out of range. A few more were hovering near, and it seemed like they were intent on pestering him. Hiro raised his weapons for a moment, seriously considering shish-kabobing them. But that felt... wrong. Instead, he wound up scrambling away, trying to figure out the best direction to get away. The gulls followed close, harassing him with every step.

[Evangeline Riot]

Angel had only been around this place for a few days and though the active bustling 'city' life was more her thing, she felt the need to get away from the masses and spend some time on her own. She missed her fur that kept her warm on cold nights, she missed her ears which allowed her to hear such quiet noises, her nose which allowed her to smell a discarded steak a mile away and her paws which made her incredibly agile. She was so clumsy in this form. It wasn't like her. Striding forward barefoot she slipped by a group of chattering girls and gave an exasperated sigh. She wanted to go home. She wanted to be her again and not this clumsy, furless human.

Moving into a more forested area she reached out and pulled a leaf from a branch. Holding it up she let it go, the wind taking it and pulling it far away. Blinking she stared down at her strange feet and growled faintly- a strange but comforting sound- under her breath. Stepping forward she stumbled over a group of raised roots and wobbled around a few steps before catching herself on a tree trunk. Sounding a sharp irritated scream she pulled at her hair as she had on her first day in this form. Letting go she sank down to her knees and glared at the forest floor. Balling her hands into fists she raised her right and was about to bring it down when she heard the screaming of birds. It was muffled, annoyingly so, though she did hear it.

Standing she wiped a bit of moisture from her eyes, blinking she tilted her head and attempted to perk her non-existent ears. They sounded like sea birds. She had only heard them a few times down by the water and had only eaten one once because Buster managed to capture a low flyer. Still. It was strange to hear so many who sounded so alarmed and talkative. Standing Angel moved forward and caught sight of a human- of course- and a flock of sea birds above him, all appearing to be very disheveled. Brows furrowing she noted that the human appeared to be alarmed at their charging. She didn't really like humans much, not since- since... She couldn't remember why, though she knew that she couldn't trust them. he seemed to be in trouble though, perhaps if she helped him she could catch one of those sea birds. It had been good before, right?

Hm, well, it didn't look like he was hurt or anything yet, perhaps she would just watch on a few minutes. If he needed her help he'd ask, right? Leaning on a tree trunk she tilted her head with a small playful smirk on her pale lips, "Hey human, having some sea bird trouble?" She questioned lightheartedly.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

Hiro kept sprinting, feeling the gulls closing the gap with each running step. The urge to reach back and pull a weapon on these creatures rose with each loud "caw" noise that hit Hiro's ears. Or at least do something to fight back. There definitely wasn't anything around here Hiro could use to hide, and he honestly wasn't that certain that seagulls didn't have some kind of special sonar abilities or something. They were certainly persistent; felt like they'd been following on Hiro's heels for months.

He'd sprinted past a girl, only taking notice as he heard her talk. Hiro turned his head, a quip upon his lips. It stumbled on the way out, mostly as he took note of the attractiveness of the girl in question. As he was quite distracted, Hiro didn't notice the rock that managed to leap up and attack his foot (at least, that's how he'd remember it later). He couldn't help but notice it when the sharp pain shot through said foot and he ended up tumbling head over heels, rolling several times.

By the time Hiro came to a stop, the gulls had all but caught up to him. Growling, Hiro turned, his hands going to the ground to pick up a few stones. His eyes flicked to the pretty girl, and he honestly couldn't tell if he should be blaming her or not. "You might want to get out of here!" he called. He curled his hands about the rocks, pulling them into his palm. Yep, the birds were definitely getting closer. "I think they're out for blood. I can distract them if you want to make a break for it."

Which certainly sounded like a plan to Hiro. He tensed, pulling his arm up and taking aim, drawing a bead on the gull that drifted closest to him.

[Evangeline Riot]

Being so use to canines and not-so-much humans, Evan didn't take time out to really examine the boy upon walking onto the scene. She didn't know what made a human attractive or not though he seemed like he should be if she were in the right mindset. He moved swiftly, easily on two feet which was something she was envious of. She use to be able to move like that- hell, she could have moved more swiftly if she had all four paws and the correct body structure. She would be no use to anyone running through these root system infected land even if she wanted to. Good luck getting her to run away.

As the boy ran by he seemed to want to say something, though a look crossed his features an with that he went sprawling down. There you go, now that was how she would have taken it as well. She probably wouldn't have even made it that far with these lanky legs. In all reality her legs wer no more lanky than anyone else's, but don't go around telling her that. Anywhoot, as his foot met a rather sturdy rock he went down. Tilting her head, brows raising as the fellow rolled as if out of some strange ancient fable. He was pretty graceful, even when he was falling.

He finally stopped and it appeared that the sea birds had caught up to the running fellow. Now he really was under attack as they dipped in the air and appeared quite agitated. Making a hmph noise the woman continued to lean as the aerial creatures began to descend and start their attack. Ears would have flicked and then pinned backward as he called that she should run, “And how do you suppose I do that with these gangly things?” She noted, pointing to her legs and shrugging, “I'm not one to run anyway.” She spoke the truth. She could try to help, though she'd probably end up getting herself hurt.

Speaking of the gangly things, she shifted and made her way forward quickly. Managing to avoid tripping on roots she waved her arms and sounded two sharp, human-y barks before remembering that she was no longer a dog. Barking just sounded silly when it came from a human mouth. Frowning, she instead began to shout, “Hey! Sea birds! Get out of here!” She called. Tossing a glance at him she shook her head, “What did you do to them? They're pretty angry.” She noted thoughtfully.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

"You mean your legs?" asked Hiro, giving her a raised eyebrow for a moment. It took Hiro a few seconds to realize that it was entirely possible that the girl had been used to a different means of self-transport prior to her arrival here. For all Hiro knew, she could have been a disembodied fish thing or a pony or a--- dang, he was getting flashes... of fish and of all kinds of weird freaks. Thankfully, it didn't last long, and a sharp barking noise drew Hiro out of it.

Dog it was then. Hiro watched, half-amused and half-impressed, as the girl flailed and waved. Which didn't seem to be doing much to the gulls, except distracting them. Several heads swiveled and at least one changed direction mid flight, nearly plowing into another. They weren't deterred overall, however, instead simply flying forward and more or less colliding. It turned out that seagulls were not graceful creatures.

"Would you believe nothing?" Hiro shot back, looking over at the girl and cracking a smile. He could deal with this; he could totally work with a spunky girl who wanted to fight on her own terms. Hiro gave his rock a little toss before flinging it at the nearest seagull. Years of practice helped guide Hiro's hand, well, years of practice that developed into an unconscious reflex. The rock hit the gull, who then flipped over, squawked, and then landed in a heap on the ground. Hiro was already picking up another. The gulls, who had been somewhat confused, what with the shouting and the guy who looked like a good target, had suddenly found a very good target to take their aggression out on. Which had, of course, been Hiro's aim all along. He smiled for a moment ,before realizing that he was, in fact, the target of a flock of gulls.

[Evangeline Riot]

Evan shook her head with amusement as the man called back to her and questioned about her legs, “I'm well aware that they are legs, I'm just saying they are useless and clumsy.” She noted. This in itself said something of her past and that she wasn't always this way. She would get back there somehow- back to the junkyard and the others. She couldn't place faces or names, but she knew that she had a pack, friends, all of which she no longer had access to. She use to be able to help them, scout for them due to her small size, provide for them by being able to get scraps and extra food from cooking humans. Not any more.

The barking that had fell form her mouth should have embarrassed her in some way- though it was something she had done all her life, something she was use to. How could she be embarrassed about something that was such a big part of who she was. Barking was her way of communicating, of chasing away threats and of sounding her excitement. It was a main channel of communication which she no longer had. Sure, words were all well and good but everyone could talk. Humans, dogs even cats and birds. Not everyone could bark.

The sea birds arced and one nearly flew into another with an alarmed squawk. Although her waving and calling didn't seem to be doing much, it did get a few of them confused which was good enough for her. As it were one of them darted toward her though the thump of a sea bird body hitting the ground after being struck by a very accurately thrown rock. Head tilting the woman eyed the body which now lay on the ground. Human etiquette said that eating a raw dead bird was not allowed- She wasn't a dog any longer. Humans cooked their food and mixed things together. They didn't eat recently dead birds. That bird would have fed her for at least a day though, she knew that for sure.

Shaking the idea of snatching the sea bird up and eating it right then and there out of her mind she glanced at the flock who now had their beady eyes on the Asian fellow. As he called back to her she grinned and shook her head, “I don't believe that for a second.” She quipped back with a grin on her lips. The sea birds were really agitated now, appearing to be entirely focused on Hiro no matter how much flailing and yelling she did, “Is there anywhere to go to get away from them? A house? An obscenely large hollow tree trunk?” She questioned.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

Useless and clumsy, well, this was someone who had obviously had a better means of locomotion prior to arriving here. Not that Hiro could really blame her: sometimes he felt off himself. His off-feeling usually involved his having hair, or feeling as though he should have more weight on his back, neither sensation being anything he really wanted to focus on for a long time. If he wanted to focus on anything, it was that training that kept popping up. Like now, as Hiro tossed another stone into his palm, taking aim at the increasingly upset seagulls.

It was weird though, for a moment, Hiro could've sworn the girl looked like she wanted to leap at the gulls. He let it pass, mostly because the gulls seemed to be massing, which in Hiro's opinion was never something you wanted to see, let alone be on the receiving end of. He flung another stone, but knocking them out one by one wasn't going to help much. Sure, he managed to lay another flat, but there were still a couple dozen more rallying together. If he wanted to stop them, he'd need a net or something.

"Well, it's definitely true!" Hiro called back. He couldn't resist grinning. This really did look like one of those situations where he'd brought the trouble onto himself. The gulls were moving toward him now. "You see any houses? Because I don't. And I could probably, like, ninja vanish or something," totally a lie, but somehow, Hiro couldn't stop himself. Blame his hormones, "but I'm not gonna leave you to deal with-- oh boy."

For the gulls had gotten closer. Hiro rolled and attempted to start running, moving toward Evan without really thinking about it. She wanted to be involved anyway, and Hiro figured he could probably protect her better if he were closer to her. That was totally the reason he was going with too.

[Evangeline Riot]

Useless and clumsy, yup, that pretty much summed up human legs. It was a big change going from four stable legs connected to paws to two long legs connected to partially webbed fleshy flippers, okay? Since arriving here and seeing all of the people milling about, she often wondered if any were from her home, if any were going through the same animal to human transition- if so, how in the hell were they coping so well? She didn't see anyone so far fall over their own two clumsy feet. Just her. Maybe it made her special, or, probably more likely, just not so skilled at adapting. This was something she also found trying. She was adaptable, it was one of her best traits, perhaps that too would just take a little time.

Watching as the black and white sea birds dipped and lunged, some actually colliding with others and becoming frantic at the contact, Evan wondered vaguely what the guy did to upset them. It wasn't natural for the birds to just start dive bombing average, everyday people; At least not where she was from. Then again, where she was from many animals talked clear as day an could communicate with one another. Obviously that was not the case here in this strange place.

Focus returned to the Asian boy as he took another one of the birds out, though more continued to flock in. Raising a brow she stepped backward to avoid both having the next wounded bird land on her head, and to keep to the side as to avoid the brunt of the attack. It seemed as if the lot of them were going for Hiro anyway so she wasn't all that worried about her own safety. Seeing as her waving wasn't doing anything she abruptly stopped and tossed a wily look at the fellow as he called back to her. So, he was standing by his word that he had done nothing to annoy the sea birds. She still didn't believe him, she didn't trust too easily though, she knew that- the only thing she didn't know was why that was.

He spoke again, calling at her that he didn't know of any houses, though his words were a bit taunting which struck a cord with the blonde who raised a brow and shook her head, “Think you're funny do yah?” She questioned him with a lopsided grin. She didn't know what a 'ninja' was, perhaps she did before, but definitely not now. Apparently he thought he could just disappear though which in itself was funny, “Humans can't just vanish into thin air, nothing can, so good luck with that.” She noted. Oh, yeah, she caught on that he was trying to be a big macho man, “I don't need saving you know.” She stated matter-of-factly, the grin never leaving her lips.

As the sea birds drew even closer the boy dropped and rolled toward her, now much closer he seemed to be trying to protect her... By drawing them in closer to her. Good going. Sure, they probably would have turned on her eventually, but now she was bound to be dive-bombed. Either way, this was the most fun she'd had since she arrived here, and probably the first time she'd smiled since coming into this body. It was nice talking to someone else who wasn't one of those black suit people. Not having to focus on how she was adjusting, how she was feeling or getting use to this body. Hiro was helping without either of them even knowing it. This was a good thing.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

"Yes, yes I do think I'm funny," grunted Hiro. He hadn't stopped moving, mostly because doing so at this point would be akin to a death sentence. It was true though, and Hiro had no qualms about saying as much to the pretty girl he was still attempting to impress for some reason. Weird, but he kept getting an idea that such behavior wasn't altogether unusual for him. Something about another snarky girl who liked to complain about agility and get into trouble with Hiro. The last thing Hiro needed to do was succumb to one of his little memory flashes, so he was trying to shelf the thoughts for now.

Didn't stop him from talking though, just as the sprinting hadn't. "Normal humans can't, but specially trained ninja humans definitely can," he quipped back. The comment rang another loose memory bell, the resounding flashes nearly blinding Hiro for a moment. The human thing, that part felt wrong, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd said something very similar in times past. Were he not running for his life, he probably would have stopped and considered. "And of course you don't need saving," Hiro didn't sound as though he believed it, "but you're gonna have to move if you don't wanna get bombed."

Hiro made certain to swing close to Evan, reaching out to snag her hand as he barreled past. He certainly didn't intend on leaving her there to face the gulls without at least trying. While he hadn't said it, Hiro did suspect that Evan would have made tracks on her own. They didn't exactly have time to discuss it: the gulls were getting closer. Hiro was willing to drag Evan along if that was what it took, pulling at her as he tore forward. Hopefully they could move fast enough to avoid them; Hiro really didn't want to have to resort to using the katanas strapped to his back.

Even if that would look super cool.

[Evangeline Riot]

Evan was watching the birds, though they didn't seem to care about her much, more focused on the boy they had initially rallied to attack in the first place. Why they had done so was up int he air. They were attacking nonetheless. Laughing lightheartedly she shook her head. She wouldn't admit it, but he was sort of goofy and amusing. Perhaps his boyishness reminded her of someone, his slight arrogance and belief that he could do the impossible... Whoever it was though she couldn't place their face or name. Pushing that thought away for the time being she hopped backward and waved her arms about, this time to keep balance as opposed to trying to offend the angry birds (haha).

A thin brow arched slightly as Evan tilted her head, “I don't know what that means. What a ninja is I mean.” She noted truthfully. Whatever it was, apparently he was one and he thought it was cool. Could just be a male thing. Some males thought the strangest things were fascinating. Males, they were crazy. As it were the sea birds were starting to take an interest in her as well. As a pair turned their beady eyes on her she stepped back again, those beaks of theirs looking a bit more intimidating now that they were aimed at her and not the boy who had surely done something to offend them.

As Hiro spun about and grabbed her hand Evan lost her balance though managed to spin around and follow beside him. She kept a grin on her lips though inward she was dreading tripping and slowing him down. She couldn't walk without falling, how was she suppose to run and avoid both falling and running into something in the process? Stumbling and not at all as graceful as she once was, the not-canine followed the not-turtle through the forested area, zigging and zagging between trees as they went. So far so good when it came to remaining on her feet and not slowing him down, “I hope you have a safe place in mind.” She noted. One good thing about this body was the high stamina, she could keep stumbling along like this for ages!

And katana wielding cute boy? Yep, that would have been super cool.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

"I'll show you sometime," Hiro shot back, offering a quick grin. he didn't want to break stride, and he really hoped that the girl just sort of figured out how her legs worked. Sure, there was that awkward transition phase where people did a lot of stumbling and tripping and stuff, but usually reflex took over. Then again, Hiro was used to having super-ninja reflexes. Whenever he shut off his brain and went to work, he got phenomenally better, and some part of him knew that wasn't true for everyone else. He wouldn't have been surprised if the exact opposite occurred sometimes.

They seemed to be doing okay though, or at least, staying mostly upright. They were exiting the wide open area of the lake and entering the wooded area that bordered the picnic area. Actually, now that Hiro thought about it, the lake was supposed to have equipment for boating, which probably meant they had boat docks somewhere, which probably meant a shed of some kind to protect the various boating materials. However, that was most definitely in the opposite direction, and Hiro didn't fancy attempting to run through the seagulls. He might have been able to make it, but not without drawing his sword and/or losing the girl in the process. Hiro still wasn't keen on using the weapons if he didn't have to and he definitely wasn't losing the girl.

"No clue," he called again, not looking back this time. They'd at least put some distance between them, and Hiro knew he definitely had an advantage in the trees. If need be, he could tuck the girl close to one and protect her. "I'm sort of making this up as I go along!" Which again, seemed very, very true. Too true, because it caused a memory flash to pummel poor Hiro. He felt the sudden memory hit hard, something about invading a facility, and closing alien robots, and his calling out to his brothers, and... WHAM! Hiro plowed right into a tree. This wasn't a subtle, oh look, there's a branch thing. This was going from full out run to barreling straight into the tree, complete with the thudding noise and the sudden, jarring, intense pain.

On the plus side, it shook Hiro out of his memory flash. "Ouch," he managed, feeling his face, which had somehow miraculously avoided getting broke or bleeding. He was definitely seeing stars though, and he wasn't sure how close the gulls were getting. At least they were close to the trees. "to the trees," Hiro mumbled, giving Evan a squeeze as if to say "I'm totally cool running into trees; in fact, I do it all the time."

[Evangeline Riot]

Was that a macho 'I'll show you sometime'? It sounded like it probably was a macho male thing. With that in mind Evan let out a light laugh. Despite the threat of bombing sea birds she was still having quite a good time. As they continued to run she wasn't sure if she was getting the hang of only using two legs or if this staying upright was all just a fluke; Probably the latter, really. She felt as if things were going well though what with the movement of her legs and the fact that she wasn't dragging the 'ninja' boy down with her. Now, if she could just remain this way until they were safer...

Having no idea where anything was in this area, Evan was more than willing to follow him in the hopes that he had some sort of plan. He seemed like the type of human to have a plan. Probably. Whatever the case Evan knew how birds worked and these sea birds weren't the type to dodge through trees and brush- they liked open areas and the thermal lifts over the water. Surely they wouldn't follow them much longer through the dense foliage, right?

Still grinning cheerfully Evan laughed and shook her head faintly, her worry and concentration on her legs and how they were moving slipping away a second, “Good to know we're just running in a random direction and hoping for the best.” She smirked, “It sounds like something I would do I think.” Yes, she wasn't quite sure if she was a planning type or a winging it type, though she felt as if winging it was more fun- probably what she would do. You know-

Mind completely blown Evan staggered back as Hiro went right into the trunk of a tree, hard. Cringing she paddled backward and caught herself against the very trunk which had thwarted the running plan that they pair had so artfully cooked up. He didn't yell or freaking out, only a comic 'ouch' was uttered which, for some reason, roused a gentle laugh from the woman, “Are you okay?” She questioned him, glancing at his surprisingly uninjured face. The sea birds were forgotten for a second as she worried for her partner in crime's well being. As he squeezed her hand she smiled a small smile and nodded, “Yeah, you do it for fun, don't you?” She questioned with a grin before shaking her head at him. This time she moved forward a step, squeezing his hand back and motioning ahead, “Better run, they're bound to catch up if we just stand here.”

[Ichiro Yoshi]

Yes, running in a semi-random direction and hoping for the best was totally the plan. Not that mentioning it was, again, all that helpful to poor Hiro. If anything, it drastically increased the flashes, which, y'know, led to barreling into trees. He was thankfully recovering pretty quickly, which lent some credence to the whole "I do this all the time" sort of thing. As far as "okay" went, well, Hiro was feeling okay enough to nod, squeeze hand, and attempt to get going again. The gulls hadn't stopped just because Hiro was stupidly running into trees, however. No, they had to close the distance between them just a little more. Wonderful.

"They're pretty close," muttered Hiro. He slid his free hand back over his shoulder for a bit, seriously considering. He didn't want to wound the birds unless he had to, but he definitely wasn't going to let the girl get hurt. Not while he still had weapons and the strength to use them. They were still plowing onward though, entering the grove of trees. Hiro tried to recall the exact geography of the area, though he hadn't exactly gone this way all that often. He had been in the picnicking area a few months ago, back when there had been that whole mess with the welcome BBQ, but that had been, well, a few months ago. He was pretty sure he knew what direction to head though, and tried directing them toward that.

A squawk sounded behind them, loud enough to make Hiro turn. It turned out that seagulls were not so great at dealing with trees, which did make sense, what with their being gulls. they seemed to be flapping about just a few feet in, obviously trying to figure out how the whole flying through a forest thing worked.

"You think we're safe?" Hiro asked, mostly keeping his eyes locked on the gulls in question. He looked to Evan, seeming to just realize he still had her by the hand. Flushing, he released her hand, though he tried to cover the motion by raising up his fingers to the hilt of his weapon.

[Evangeline Riot]

The sea birds were closing in, even as the pair began to move once more into more deeply forested space. The slight bit of worry remained for the well being of the fellow who happened to be fleeing along with her. Still hand in hand they ran and Evan managed to not trip over anything thus far which was a success in her books. It would seem that he was doing alright, able to run and move about nearly, or even, as swiftly as he had been before. This was good. Being pecked and attacked after slamming into a tree full force wouldn't be pleasant, or so she was guessing.

It would appear that as Hiro shifted his hand back near the hilt of his katana, that Evan just realized it was there. Feet still thudding along the ground they headed away form the flock, “Yeah but I'm sure we can outrun them, sea birds don't like forests, they don't like trees in general. They're clumsy and quite heavy for a bird. Can't turn well in tight spaces.” She noted before making a face of intrigue, “What are those?” She questioned him. Yes, even running full tilt she was rather well adjusted somehow and had the stamina to carry out a conversation. Eyes on the ground she watched for raised roots, if she looked back and at the birds she knew she would fall on her face. One of them had already been wounded, they didn't both need to make fools of themselves.

Loud bird shrieking caught her attention, though, once more, she refused to look behind her and take her attention off of her path. Cringing in response she ducked down under some low hanging branches which led into a shaded and quite heavily forested little grove. Branches hung down low providing perfect cover from the winged onslaught. As they ducked into the grove she nodded a second, the exertion catching up to her as she began to pant, dropping to her knees and then rolling onto her back as they were no longer connected by hand, “I think we're good here. They won't try to get through the branches, they would be stuck on the ground or hurt on the way in. Not even sea birds are that stupid.” She noted as she closed her eyes and shielded them with her right arm casually. Chest rising and falling she attempted to lower her heart rate through sheer power of will. Just give her a few moments and she'd be fine.

[Ichiro Yoshi]

Hiro nodded; it sounded more or less like Evan had come to most of the same conclusions he had. They had the advantage as long as they stayed in the general area of the woods, especially given how poorly these gulls seemed to handle flying and such. As for the other comment, that made Hiro blink, his eyes drifting to his blades for a moment, as if just realizing that he was, in fact, carrying something that might warrant questioning. "Katanas," he offered, "Japanese swords, usually used by samurai or ninja. They were, uh, pretty much the only thing I had on me when I came over here. That and some pads. I was... look, we should probably get further in..."

Not that Evan seemed to be breaking. Hiro was definitely impressed with her stamina,  given that she was apparently adjusting to the whole two legged thing. Maybe she'd been some kind of horse or something. That would explain a lot. Plus, from what Hiro had heard, horses coming over was unusually common for this area. Seemed to sort of be a default. He'd have time for questions and quandries later though; they still needed to make their way further in. Evan seemed to have found a tight knot, pushing through, and Hiro followed. As soon as he realized that she'd come to a stop, panting, on the other end, Hiro drew out a sword. He handled it casually, obviously used to its weight, as he turned and faced the entrance. Low clearance, tight branches, hurt.

"Well, if they are, I'm ready for them," Hiro said. He lifted the blade slightly, nodded to Evan, and then turned. He liked to think he looked totally impressive and cool when he did it. All solemn faced and stoic and, well, cool. He held the weapon tightly, hearing the birds on the other end. but it looked like the plan worked: the birds weren't getting any closer. What Hiro and Evan couldn't see, but could mostly hear, were the birds pulling at branches and generally honking. It seemed to occur to them, however, that they really didn't have much reason to be stalking the two humans in the first place.

"I think you might be right," offered Hiro, turning to give Evan a quick smile and a nod. "Good call," he paused for a moment. Now that there weren't any gulls, he felt more awkward than cool. Plus, he was beginning to realize that he'd just trapped himself somewhere with an attractive female. Hiro licked his lips, considering. "Uh, right, so, I'm Hiro. My name. It's Hiro," he looked over his shoulder. "Well, it's Ichiro Yoshi, but I like Hiro, so, yeah. Nice to meet you. I guess."