ActFast231

@, "Master? I'm not some old pony with a white beard teaching kids how to fight bullies yet." He said in the first joke he may of ever made. He motioned her to follow, and made his way to the chamber where his armor was. He glanced over to her from time to tome as they walked, her presence just being enough to lift his spirit. The room in question was spacious enough to allow for some training. After dismissing the Inquisitors in the room, he turned to face her. "So, what would you like to learn first?"

@, That was it. Nexus knew now what was causing his change. He hadn't noticed at the time, but during his conversation with Lume-finishing up just as he got back to his seat-but several more scars vanished from his body. Every time he does good, helps others, and acts kindly, his wounds-both that of the body and soul-heal and mend. So that means that negative actions will wither and warp him even more. Good thing he isn't one to act cruelly. He took a moment to get introspective and saw that the pain of his parents death is getting duller. He isn't forgetting it, it's just not hurting as bad. That brought the umpteenth smile on his face today. He listened in to the other Tarots, and actually was actually surprised when he heard what Lume's was. He was just talking to her about it not five minutes-that is, controlling your fear and emotion. Though the concept of turning infatuation into passion and confidence confused him. Mainly because he had no idea what love of that nature felt like. He didn't even know if he would know it if it was happening. He got up and walked over to her after the completion of the readings, ready to start training. "Hey Lume, you want to start some basic training now?"

@, @, Nexus smile grew ever so slightly at the word friend. It was strange, going from loner to companion so quickly, but he was not opposed in the slightest. He was very eager to start her training, if for nothing else, so he could spend more time with her, and to ensure nothing happened when they headed out eventually. That is, if she WANTS to spend more time wi- Well, that answers that question. Nexus returned to his seat, where his Tarots still lay face down. He glanced back over to Lume, before bringing his attention to Moon Crypt. "So, what is step two Inquisitor Lord Moon Crypt, sir?" Nexus had the vague idea that ponies here hated formalities, and being in the good mood he was in, the hunter decided to screw with the changeling a little. Nothing malicious, of course.

"And I wouldn't blame you. I don't want to be a changeling slave." Nexus closed his eyes and tried to focus his inner energy. He tried to connect to his inner changeling, to summon that magic, and jack himself into the hive mind. He felt it starting to work, as well. He didn't even notice the yellow mare approach. He got closer and closer, until... His eyes shot open, and he fell to his knees. Thousands of thoughts entered his mind from countless changelings. It was overwhelming. "C-corkscrew. I-I-I'm in. The hive mind. It is-it is overwhelming." He started to broadcast his own thoughts into the pool. Listen up. This is Nexus Tersona, changeling hunter, survivor of the Terra Nova invasion, and I'm calling you out, Chrysalis. You think you can get away with this crap? You think you can control me? Then come down to the ancient castle ruins in Everfree ASAP. We fight to the death. You don't show, I start slaughtering you subjects until you do. "I-I sent the message. Sh-sh-she'll be here a-any moment now." He could feel it. He could feel the queen getting closer. The mind fog got more intense as she got closer, but he held on, as his integration into the hive mind was broadcasting their position like a beacon. (I got an idea for a Nexus ending if you kill or disable Chrysalis.)

Yes Torchic, Mudkip, or Treeko?

@, Nexus tensed up at the arm wrapped around him. Post-Invasion, the only time anypony touched him was to attack him. So this was extremely foreign to him. Mid way through, Nexus relaxed a little wrapped in her arm. Looking her in the eye he saw...sincerity. That's another thing he hasn't received since the attack. Kindness. Ponies at best were polite, and most of the time he was the one giving the kindness. To actually have somepony treat him like...like a pony, and not this deformed heartless killing machine...A warmth overtook the hunter. A warmth that melted any negativity in him. He never knew how much the hatred he has drowned in over the years had affected him until presented with kindness. A very bright smile overtook his face, and he looked down at Lume, wrapping his own arm around her for a brief hug. "Thanks Lume. You have no idea how much that means to me." He said softly, breaking the hug. "Well, a changeling hunter is a type of mercenary that specializes in tracking and hunting changelings. When I enter towns, sometimes the townsfolk will offer me a contract. It lists the details of the assignment, the payment, and any other relevant information. Once accepted, I head out and deal with the changelings. Sometimes I also get contracted for expeditions to ruins and other dangerous zones to looks for certain items or info. Tracking changelings involves finding their location, distinguishing real ponies from doppelgangers, and quick, silent kills. It can take anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks. I never accept contracts against other ponies, though I have killed four. Two on accident, two on necessity. Beyond that, I have knowledge of survival tactics, and medical expertise rivaling the unicorns. I am actually qualified to perform surgery, be it in an operating room or the field. I can teach you how to use claws, and some general first aid, as well as some techniques for survival in dangerous areas."

@, Now that was something that may have hit Nexus a little harder than it should of. He has heard worse, but this just seemed terrible. "Celestia, Lume...I'm so sorry. Had I known..." How could they of missed her? How could they of just passed up another survivor? "You were dumped in a random place full of hostile creatures with no means of defense. Anypony would be scared witless. And you are not stupid, by any stretch of the imagination. We don't think clearly when we're afraid. But if 15 years of being a changeling hunter has taught me anything, it's never let fear rule you. There will always be a voice telling you to lay down and accept death. Never listen to that voice. You keep fighting, keep persisting. Don't let the dark, the fear, the...evil win." Pep talks should be his cutie mark at the rate things have been going today. But he had an idea. "If you want, I can teach you some stuff. I can teach you basic combat, first aid, survival tactics, whatever. If we hope to stop the Resh and the Presence, we need to be at top condition." He glanced down at his chest, frowning. "Says the horribly deformed freak..." He muttered to himself. Maybe sitting right next to somepony was not the best place to mutter, but what's done is done.

@, Nexus finished off his salad, and idly stared down at his Tarot cards. He pondered what they could possibly be on the face. He then turned his attention to the others-specifically Lume. He might as well get to know his friends better. And he did consider her a friend. Be it from kindness or desperation, he could not tell. So much has happened in the past day that he could not keep track. Not like it was the first time he was thrown into strange situations, this was just the biggest, and the first one to involve others. He scooted over to sit next to her, being mindful of others. "Hey." He didn't know a better way to announce himself, so he went with simplicity. "So uhh...if you don't mind the intrusion, what were you doing before Moon Crypt found you?" That's an OK thing to ask, right? Nexus had near no social experience, so beyond the basic, he had no idea how to interact with others on a casual level. His skills were killing, healing, and surviving, not friendship.

Welp, as long as Midnight and Psych are at it, might as well get some interaction going between Nexus and . I am quite bored ATM.

I agree. I think I romance sub-plot would be an excellent addition to the overall story and individual characters.

@, Nexus shrugged as he ate his salad, pulling out two cards from the deck, not bothering to lift them, and keeping them face down. He put them in front of him, just ahead of the salad bowl. He swallowed his mouthful before looking up at Moon Crypt. "OK, now what? Do I just flip them now, or what?"

@, Nexus gave a nod, and started heading down. He was going to as Lume to join him, but she looked in the middle of a conversation. He shouldn't disturb them. So he headed down to the mess hall, but not before hearing a small explosion. Which caused him to sigh. "Who the hell is blowing stuff up now?" He muttered under his breath. He shrugged it off, and moved into the mess hall. Where ponies were growing in number. Even with a over a quarter of the scars gone, Nexus still felt uncomfortable being around the many ponies naked. He trotted to Moon Crypt to pick up his meal, but not before asking "Hey, when do you think the enchantments on my weapons and armor will be done?"

Nexus started folding out beds in the rooms provided, thinking to himself as he worked. It's nice when a newcomer shows up, and she isn't psychotic. Red Alert worries me, as he seems prone to violence, and Standoff seems to just want to assume control. Apparently he didn't get the memo that nopony is going to do what you say just because you demand it. His thoughts continued to drift to each member of their group Midnight seems to have a lot of potential, though I don't feel comfortable with bringing Fen everywhere. Celestia forbid anything happen to her. I know I can restore her. I just need the right pieces. Arianna and Klarix worry me. They don't seem like fighters, and I don't want to put them in harms way. Nor do I with anypony, but I fell better if they at least know how to fight. Maybe the Inquisitors can teach them some basic combat. Or Rose. She seems capable with those swords. She has to be to survive alone in this hellhole for a month. Can't believe this used to be a quaint little town... Acheron also raises alarms. His dark magic could be useful, but he seems more interested in his own personal agenda, and getting at me. We can't afford infighting. If I kill him, or he corrupts me, it will weaken the entire group. I'm no good to anypony as an amnesiac or enthralled. Not much I can say about that one stallion as we haven't met yet. Then theirs Lume. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders, but I can't speak for her combat abilities. She seems tough though, and is nice enough. Rarely do I get apologies from anypony. It will be nice to work with pleasant company. Rather nice looking too...Not sure how that's relevant but there it is. He finished his work and trotted out to Kola. "Finished. Anything else you need help with?" @,

@, Nexus chuckled at the mare's comment, as what she said was true. "No, your right there. A changeling hunter, mercs, hybrids, squiddies, changelings, and students? Yep, we are an odd bunch indeed. But we can kick ass like noponys buisness." It felt good to chuckle and smile. He has done it so rarely in the past that he forgot the feeling. And it felt nice. Warm, in a sense. But he forgot why they were up here. "Right, well, we best start helping with the bedding." He said, glancing over his shoulder.

@, This made the changeling hunter grow a smile on his face. A small one, but one that was genuine. "No need to apologize. I understand what it's like to feel confused and uncertain. And you are welcome to stay with us however long you like. As long as we are here in Delvia, we need to stick together. We have each others back and we pick each other up when we fall. It's how a groups works." Nexus wondered if being more positive would of caused this change sooner. As the words left his mouth, he changed again. His coat became lighter, and was now a brighter, less subdued blue than before. His eyes became a softer color as well, shifting to a aqua green color. A few of his scars faded away, fur replacing him, and his body grew less deformed. It was subtle, but noticeable. How many more of these until his scars were gone for good, he wondered. He shrugged. "As for the Tarot power, we don't know the details yet of our individual powers, though I suspect Moon Crypt will fill us in. Though I suspect that mine is affecting my appearance and state of mind."