Michael faltered for a moment, thinking it was another Corrupted, since his usual training group had split up to cover the most ground. At the sight of a new face, he nodded, then redoubled his effort. It was taking all of his concentration to keep the shield up, and he felt the rush that he was coming to recognize as Royal energy coming from her touch. It felt like all the times Jason had placed his hand on his chest when he'd been depressed, reminding him of the wells of strength he still held in reserve, and as he drew on them, the shield grew thicker.

"Thanks," he said between breaths, breaking focus just long enough to glance at her and smile.

"Think you can heal it? It's supposed to be one way to stop them. Purify it, somehow ..."