He's not this person anymore. He told me. He doesn't think all humans are bad, he's fighting against this system! He wouldn't do this! So there's no way you can be---

[ that's as far as she gets before that negativity monster she swallowed kicks back. she hunches over, coughing -- meaning he hits it dead on. as he probably predicted, she pulls on it out of instinct, trying to struggle with the monster she's choking on, and even more fine cracks run up and down it. this continues until it just ]

[ explodes ]

[ it probably looks pretty cool, but he might have to dodge some impending tiny shards, and maya is screaming at the top of her lungs. it's pretty loud. ]

[ also? a phoenix screeches almost as loudly, flying in at high speeds and making a dive at michael. maya probably won't fight him, but like his namesake, nick junior is incredibly protective. ]