Ilya turned red, reminded thoroughly of how weak he was. "No, I can't. My healing factor ate away at my muscles when I didn't have food, so, um. I guess I never... never really got back into shape."

Oh God, kill him now. At least Dolemeck has an actual, reasonable excuse. Looking like he's just been reminded he's not really one of these people yet, he turns to let Dolemeck lead.